Gerjali: Power arrogance to cost Kosovo in image

The power distance to the private sector in the country deputifies foreign investors in Kosovo and cannot have foreign investment unless local business is supported, economics expert Safet Gerjaliu says.

The former head of the Kosovo Economic Ode, Safet Gerjaliu, says the economic crisis in Kosovo has a boost that is affecting the social aspect as well. He has also commented on government statements about economic indicators, which he says should not deceive citizens in numbers.

The economic crisis in Kosovo has a growth momentum that is affecting the social aspect as well, but what is more concerning citizens is revolting and discontent manifested through trade unions. We have on one side the government warning and promoting the achievements and positive results of economic indicators, and on the other, inflation has reached 19.2, % according to the World Bank, and this has indeed introduced a scepticism to citizens for a better life and a more stable future. And when all of this is added to recent debates in the Kosovo-Serbia revolution, where arms are promoted, where it mentions honest terms for war and other negative phenomena, I fear that all of these processes are increasing the frustration of scepticism in citizens and should not be surprising that today in the Western Balkans much more people are trying to escape from the new ones than in Kosovo. That's why it's time we have to have real public-private dialogue and not get away from”, he points out.

Gerxhaliu, in an interview for Kosovo Press, says the arrogance of power will cost Kosovo in image.

According to him, Kosovo cannot be attractive to foreign investors and to their withdrawal if it is not for existing businesses in Kosovo.

The fact that we have this lack of real dialogue, whether with unions or with citizens, testifies to the fact that a distance of power that does not do democracy -- and that we have this arrogance of power in the face of trade unions -- will cost Kosovo in its image. The very fact that we have no foreign investors in Kosovo for years and is promoted only the help of the diaspora, which is oriented in consumption and not developing, I believe is the biggest sin Kosovo is committing. Therefore, we have many challenges today, but if someone should have the responsibility for such an economic situation that has engulfed Kosovo, the sinners are us, in particular local institutions and current policymakers, Gerjaliu says.

Economy expert Gerjaliu has also commented on recent statements by Finance Minister Iron Murati, concerning economic indicators and increased bank deposits.

It is true that if government statements said to have increased deposits are analysed but do not tell the truth. To be in Switzerland, you must pay taxes and other obligations to deposit money in banks. So the economic development of those states is a priority and in Kosovo come and invest capital and deposit, because they must not pay anything. Hence, we should not be deceived in such figures. Kosovo needs a substantial development, a substantial economic growth and not only political and indicator decoration, which really does not reflect on improving the lives of citizens at a time when inflation is disturbing, and economic trends are negative. While economic and political diplomacy is actually intimated”, he says.