Serbs don't care about Kosovo

Periskopi

3 August 2018, 15:01(8 years ago)

Politicians' hyperventilation, as well as media hysteria on the Kosovo theme, have reached a climax, but according to the research of the DW co-posid in Belgrade, this topic is not at the top of citizens' priorities in Serbia. Every day in Serbian media on the Kosovo issue, at least tens of “final resolution<x1 and [...]

Every day in the Serbian media on the Kosovo issue, at least dozens of “final resolution” and in the same way denied, some news comes “from sustainable sources” and also the correction of these “recognised”. That either means that the solution to this issue is really close, or politicians in their usual way try to make Kosovo's problem an eternal topic for the emotional manipulation of citizens and cleverly defeat political opponents.

On the other hand, Serbia's citizens do not seem to be so focused on the Kosovo problem, as seen in public opinion polls. The main problems are far from the Kosovo issue, both there and Serbs, problems in economic issues, living standards, health, judiciary, education, organised crime and corruption remain much more important. How can the incompatibility between the media-described image be explained, and what are the real priorities of the citizens of Serbia?

Kosovo is not, as they say, a vital topic, but as those in government and opposition create stereotypes, that if Kosovo is lost almost anything”, writer Philip David tells DW. Everybody knows it's an artificially created formula, but nobody wants to admit it. Neither does President Vucic know what to do about Kosovo: on the one hand, it says that we have agreed and we should not allow the creation of other conflicts, on the other hand through the media he controls, the requirements are for Kosovo to remain as part of Serbia”.

Political analyst Milan Nikolic, from his research, estimates that Kosovo is in fifth or sixth place on the list of Serbian citizens' priorities. However, he warns, this should not be confused with the possibility of manipulation of emotions on this issue.

When nothing dramatic happens in Kosovo, the main issue remains employment and improving the standard of living. But this could change very quickly if something dramatic happens in Kosovo, any attempts at a new massacre or other incidents. Under calm circumstances Kosovo is in sixth place, but it can soon reach the highest point as a top problem”, Nikolic tells DW.