Political parties in Kosovo ended their 10-day electoral campaigns on Friday evening, as the country is set for snap elections on Sunday.
Their electoral programs are mainly focused on economic recovery amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, improvement of health system and the judiciary.
Immediate measures planned by Vetevendosje are the vaccination of at least 60% of the population, sustainable provision of PPPs, drugs and tests, continuous training of health staff, “transparent, honest and intensive communication” with citizens.
Regarding international relations, the party promises special emphasis on collaboration with Albania and the wider region in fighting the pandemic.
Vetevendosje plans to create a Development Bank, and a Sovereign Fund that will take ownership of strategic assets and investments.
A key priority for Kosovo’s largest party in last elections is to reform the judiciary through the vetting of judges and procesurtors.
In terms of economy, they have promised to support businesses by assuring fair competition, better working conditions, and an increased minimal wage.
Providing affordable housing for new couples, women households and public servants, supporting domestic production in agriculture and other sectors are some of the other issues listed in Vetevendosje’s electoral program.
The Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) and its coalition partner New Kosovo Alliance (AKR) have set the successful management of the pandemic as their top priority.
They promise to roll out a vaccination plan that would brig the country back to normal as soon as the spring season.
Prime ministerial candidate Avdullah Hoti has promised economic development and social welfare through better access to finances, subsidized loans, grants for women and young businesspeople.
“Our government will guarantee a minimum wage of 300 euros. We will lift the 15-year limit on contributory pensions. Social assistance will be linked to the cost of living and will increase by 30%,” Hoti has promised.
The strengthening of the judiciary in terms of impartiality, transparency and accountability are also a priority of the LDK.
EU accession and dialogue with Serbia are the two main issues in LDK’s diplomatic realm for the immediate future, besides working for Kosovo’s membership in international organizations.
The oldest parliamentary party in the country promises to develop education and science, support the diaspora, culture and youth.
The Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) has promised to vaccinate 70% of population until summer. Its prime ministerial candidate, Enver Hoxhaj says they will open 30 vaccination centers throughout the country.
They have promised financial support for those infected with the virus, a Health Insurance Fund that will allow for 580 kinds of drugs to be provided for free to chronically ill people, as well as 30 percent increase in salary increase for medical staff.
Besides health, PDK’s main focus during the electoral campaign has been the economy, rule of law and foreign affairs.
“A fund will be established to help our enterprises in the amount of over 500 million euros, in the form of financial support for businesses, which have difficulties to function properly for the first year,” their program says.
Decreasing taxes on food products and getting rid of taxes for medication are some more promises from the party.
PDK’s plan for improvement in justice is fight against corruption and organized crime, structural reform and integrity of the judiciary, deepening of reforms to coordinate and improve performance in law and order and access to justice.
The Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) has prioritized the economic recovery by establishing a 1-billion euros fund through which to funnel money to the economy.
Its leader Ramush Haradinaj, who has put forward his candidacy for the country’s presidency, has vowed to fight organized crime.
AAK’s plan on foreign affairs is focused on achieving universal recognition for Kosovo, especially by the five non-recognizers within the European Union. It will also be focused on relations with countries which the AAK considerers with high impact like Vatican, India, and Brazil.
The country’s membership in NATO is their top priority in term of membership in international organizations.
Among other programs in social welfare, AAK says it aims to provide informal vocations training for the young, training for the labor market, and management of careers of people with special talents.
