In a lengthy speech at the University of Pristina, Albin Kurti, Prime Minister of Kosovo, delivered a nationalist address attempting to rewrite the history of Kosovo and the Balkans. Kurti presented a narrative centered on a supposedly inherent division between “progressives” (identified as Albanian and Kosovar) and “reactionaries” (Serbs and others). He used historical distortions and omissions to portray Albanians as victims and Serbs as aggressors throughout history.
Kurti’s speech downplayed or ignored the role of Albanian nationalism and collaboration with fascist forces during World War II, while emphasizing Serbian actions. He portrayed Serbian rule in Kosovo as inherently oppressive and characterized the 1999 NATO intervention as a liberation solely for Albanians.
He promoted the idea of a unified Albanian nation and attempted to justify the historical exclusion and discrimination faced by Serbs and other minorities in Kosovo. Kurti’s address was criticized for its nationalist bias, historical inaccuracies, and the potential to exacerbate ethnic tensions in the region. The speech served as a demonstration of Kurti’s nationalist agenda and his efforts to solidify his political base through the manipulation of history and ethnic identity. He aimed to present a particular narrative favorable to Albanians, promoting a vision of a nation defined in opposition to its neighbors, particularly Serbia.
find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/08/27/koso-a27.html