Serbian media quote U n NDP: Unemployment, corruption, poverty biggest Kosovo problem

The results of the latest research show an increase of satisfaction with the effects of Kosovo institutions about 36% of Kosovars said they are satisfied with legislative, executive and judicial institutions together (compared to 21% in October 2016).

Although general levels of satisfaction with Kosovo's political orientation remain low, the October 2017 survey shows moderate growth (14% compared to 8% in October 2016, reports “b92”, Periscopi broadcasts.

Citizens' perceptions of security have also improved by about 10 percent.

In this research, citizens were asked to identify the biggest problems facing Kosovo today. Among other things, citizens reported unemployment (40% at 48% in October 2016), corruption (17% against 7% in October 2016) and poverty (9% against 21% in October 2016), as the biggest problems affecting welfare life.

As for discontent with the economic situation, a greater pessimism continues to be seen among Serbs who are dissatisfied with Kosovo's economic direction (57%, 63% in October 2016) higher than for Kosovo Albanians (47%, 69% in October 2016) and the other Kosovo community (20%, up to 73% in October 2016).

36% of Kosovars are still willing to join public protests for political reasons. When those found are analysed along ethnic lines, a greater percentage of Albanians (38.5%) than Serbs (6%, 39.5% in October 2016) are willing to join protests for political reasons.

Only 14% of other ethnic groups (up to 28% in October 2016) said they were willing to protest for political reasons.

Approximately 46% of respondents are either unhappy or very unhappy with managing Kosovo's economy, while only 18% are satisfied.

Most Kosovo citizens (79%) believe family ties, bribes, party ties and other non-commercial factors are the most beneficial for finding jobs in the public sector. Only about 22% of respondents believe that education, professional experience and professional skill help to gain employment in the public sector.

Institutions that Kosovars consider to be the greatest presence of major corruption are: health services 25.5% (compared by 50% in October 2016), 25.5% municipalities (compared to 40.2% in 2016), the Kosovar Electricity Distribution Company (KEDS) (according to 31% in October 2016), the 25% courts (according to 49% in October 2016), the customs tariffs 23% (at 45% in October 2016), and the central administration 31% (at 49% in October 2016). Although overall rates are lower for some institutions, Kosovo Police (15% versus 21% in October 2016), international organisations (10%) and banks (10%) remain institutions with lower levels of corruption perceptions./Periscopi/