Public transport operators in Prishtina continued their protest for the third consecutive day on Wednesday. A day earlier, the demonstration escalated from a peaceful protest to a full blockage of Prishtina’s city center.
On the third day, the protest was expected to continue with fewer buses, in an attempt to avoid the severe traffic disruptions seen on Tuesday morning.
The dispute stems from the municipality’s failure to settle financial obligations, which protestors say is a consequence of the delayed approval of Prishtina’s budget. In response, transport workers parked buses in front of the Municipal building, causing significant traffic congestion across the capital.
After a meeting on Monday with the acting Minister of Finance, Hekuran Murati, the protest leaders shifted their stance and announced that their demands must be addressed directly by the Municipality.
According to Ilmi Gashi, the representative of the “Trafiku Urban” workers’ union, the Ministry of Finance allocated €3.2 million to the Municipality, but only €600,000 was transferred to the public transport company.
“It doesn’t even cover our fuel debt of €1 million. We owe €800,000 in salaries and €100,000 in health insurance contracts. We have €1.6 million in debt, and the Municipality is not responding,” Gashi said.
He added that Minister Murati had promised to fulfill the ministry’s obligations — if the Municipality completed its part, specifically by approving the transfer of the 2024 own-source revenues.
Meanwhile, Prishtina’s Mayor Përparim Rama insisted the problem lies with the central government:
“The fault does not lie with transport workers. The Government of Kosovo is to blame and they can unblock this situation.”
Political Reactions Intensify
Vetëvendosje assembly member Gëzim Sveçla criticized Mayor Rama and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), saying Prishtina residents are now facing a second day without urban transport due to the mayor’s “failed policies.”
He accused Rama of “theatrical displays” and lacking empathy for public transport workers, claiming that Tuesday’s emergency assembly session itself proved the mayor’s responsibility.
The dispute escalated further when LDK leader Lumir Abdixhiku rejected President Vjosa Osmani’s comments that she could no longer ask MPs to return to vote on Prishtina’s budget. Abdixhiku detailed behind-the-scenes political negotiations, claiming the President and VV had initially expressed support for a budget extension package.
Acting Finance Minister Hekuran Murati responded sharply:
“Why didn’t you vote when you had the chance? Yesterday you claimed the session was unconstitutional. Now you say you were ready to vote, but didn’t like the invitation format. This is mocking the citizens.”
Frustration Among Citizens
The protests and road blockages triggered strong reactions from residents, many of whom were stuck in long lines of traffic.
One driver, visibly angry, said:
“The problem is we have useless deputies. No one takes responsibility.”
Another resident added:
“I just went out to buy some bread during my break, and now I’m stuck. I’ll be late at least 2–3 hours.”
