The diaspora answers Kurt's call for financial assistance but complains that they are being called only when it comes to money

There are signals that already Kosovo-born exiles, living and working abroad, have started to respond to Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti's call to assist Kosovo financially at the time he is facing the coronavirus pandemic, assess connoisseur developments in the diaspora and the economy field.

However, the prime minister's request in office, according to them, in addition to calling for fellow countrymen, is also the message for local and international actors that access to the state budget has begun to dry up, and if in several months this pandemic and financial reduction situation continues, the country and its budget will face an impassable problem.

Bashkim Iseni, the legalist of international relations and political science at the University of Friburg, which currently lives in Switzerland, tells Radio Free Europe that the diaspora is constantly caring for the financial maintenance of their families in Kosovo. But according to him, reactions to social networks have shown that most diaspora members -- especially those living in Western European countries -- are supporting the appeal of incumbent Prime Minister Kurti.

“The diaspora supports Albin Kurti, especially the government in office. On the other hand, Kurt's appeal is a little surprising, knowing that there are many hard - to - deal people on one side of the diaspora. So do they and their families. On the other hand, again, the first appeal to the diaspora is the reserve appeal. This has always irritated the diaspora, viewing it as a financial adut”, Iseni said.

He indicated that aid from the diaspora will not be missing, but that the incumbent government should also include diaspora representatives in decision-making, which, according to him, has so far not happened even by the preliminary governments.

Financial expert Medi Bektash, professor at Pristina University, speaking of Radio Free Europe, suggests that although none of the governments have so far been correct to the diaspora, and especially with the “green card” which allows vehicle access to the mother state, the exiles have indicated they will help again.

They'll still give the exam. But knowing that even in countries where they live there are financial problems, I don't think it's going to be any huge value, some huge financial infusion. I believe that salvation to secure emergency capital would be friendly states and the most powerful financial institutions”, Bektas said.

Prime Minister Kurti, on April 12th, has invited fellow countrymen living in foreign countries who help their homeland in the health crisis”, which, he said, can be overcome only if working together.

But, Professor Iseni has expressed the opinion that Kosovo's incumbent Government has been able to give a stronger impetus to the country's diaspora, offering its members the purchase of state bonds.

Knowing that it's a very substantial amount, I'd say, that Kosovo could deal with this crisis, I believe it had to be done with a more precise precision about this fund. So will it be a fund and who will manage it. But if not, appeal to the bonds just as it does in Western lands, where the State owes to the diaspora and on better days may return it on a loan, perhaps even symbolic. I believe that traditional appeal to the diaspora, which is seen as an inexhaustible resource”, Iseni said.

But, Professor Bektash suggests that even without demeaning aid from the diaspora, the budget the Government of Kosovo has already earmarked, of around 180m euros, will not be able to cope with the cost of confronting the situation that Coronavirus has created. For this reason, according to him, Kosovo institutions should address international monetary institutions for borrowing.

“We need to borrow more tools at this moment, since even rates of interest in capital markets are very low, in order to afford not only pandemics, but to sanction the very difficult economic and social situation that multiple companies and citizens are facing. Knowing their position and someone aware of their debts to the 10 commercial banks in Kosovo”, Bektas said.

Bektash has added that major loans need Kosovo because it is no longer about the losses of tens of millions of euros. According to him, due to the impasse in business activities and growth, the damage will be per month and up to 10 per cent gross domestic production (GDP) annually or about 500m euros.