Headlines - 18.05.2017

• “Guns vs. Roses” election battle (Koha Ditore/Epoka e Re)
• “War wing” aims over 50 percent of votes (Epoka e Re)
• No coalition agreement reached between LDK and Vetevendosje (dailies)
• U.S. reiterates: Support uncorrupt candidates (Zeri)
• 100 observers from the EU will be monitoring elections (Epoka e Re)
• IMF advises parties not to promise pay raise during election campaign (Koha) 

Kosovo Media Highlights

“Guns vs. Roses” election battle (Koha Ditore/Epoka e Re)

Koha Ditore reports on its front page that the main election competition is expected to be between the parties run by former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) commanders and the bloc of parties led by the one that advocated peaceful resistance in the 90s. According to analysts  the paper spoke to, the victory over the so-called “Guns vs. Roses” battle is expected to be claimed by the KLA leaders while Vetevendosje could be the party to make a difference in this outcome as it has in its ranks not only people from both the war and the peace spectrum but also from  civil society.  Epoka e Re also quotes analysts as saying that the “war wing” parties decided to join forces for their own interests rather than those of Kosovo.

“War wing” aims over 50 percent of votes (Epoka e Re)

Leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), Kadri Veseli has surprised public opinion with the signing of the coalition with the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) and the Initiative for Kosovo (NISMA), especially with the decision to have Ramush Haradinaj as prime minister candidate. Veseli stated on Wednesday that this coalition aims to win 50 percent of the votes. He also added that he has not reached the decision for a broader coalition for   fear that PDK would not win the elections but because of the processes that await Kosovo. Haradinaj on the other hand expressed appreciation to the political partners for the trust saying that they won the war for liberation of Kosovo by supporting each other.

No coalition agreement reached between LDK and Vetevendosje (dailies)

Yesterday afternoon  media reported of a possible coalition deal between the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) and Vetevendosje which would enable the parties to run under one ballot on 11 June elections. Koha Ditore reports however that although  LDK was ready to give to Vetevendosje the post of prime minister, the latter refused the offer after this was opposed by Rexhep Selimi. Selimi is said to have threatened to leave the party if it stroke a deal with LDK. In fact, the paper recalls that Selimi had acted in the same fashion back in 2004 when his then party, the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), had entered a coalition with LDK. After postponing a press conference twice yesterday, Vetevendosje finally came out with a press release announcing that it would run alone in elections. Nevertheless, according to Zeri, Vetevendosje’s press release leaves open the possibility for a future coalition with LDK and AKR when it states that “we will welcome to a meeting all those who are ready to join the battle for profound change.” At the same time, Gazeta Metro quotes sources close to Vetevendosje saying that negotiations with LDK will continue and that everything will be finalized today.

U.S. reiterates: Support uncorrupt candidates (Zeri)

The U.S. Embassy in Pristina has urged once again political parties not to include in their ballots people involved in corruption affairs. The Embassy spokesperson Michelle Schohn stated that candidates running for elections should serve as an example for the rest of the citizens and reflect the Kosovo demographics.

100 observers from the EU will be monitoring elections (Epoka e Re)

Head of the Central Election Commission (CEC), Valdete Daka informed on Wednesday that 100 observers from the European Union would be observing the 11 June elections in Kosovo. Daka said that she has received confirmation from the EU Special Representative to Kosovo, Nataliya Apostolova. 

IMF advises parties not to promise pay raise during election campaign (Koha)

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has advised Kosovo political parties to refrain from making promises for pay raises in the public sector during their election campaigns. Head of the IMF in Kosovo, Ruud Vermeulen, said in a statement to the media that the Fund’s programme objectives have focused over the last two years on improving the fiscal situation, preserving financial stability, and creating conditions for durable growth. “Any fiscal commitments and initiatives should be consistent with the fiscal rule and the law on public sector wages,” Vermeulen underlined.