Kosovo Closes Serb-Run Institutions Ahead of Elections

On January 15, Kosovo's government initiated the closure of over two dozen Serbian-run municipal offices and institutions, escalating tensions with Serbia ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections on February 9. Interior Minister Xhelal Svecla described the closures as necessary to dismantle 'criminal and illegal' structures that undermine Kosovo's sovereignty, asserting that Serbia's influence within Kosovo's borders has ended. The operation targeted various Serbian institutions, including post offices and tax facilities, predominantly in areas with significant ethnic Serb populations. Ethnic Serbs have condemned these actions, claiming they represent an attack on their rights and identity, while government officials in Pristina maintain that the closures are essential for establishing rule of law. The situation has been further complicated by previous actions, such as banning the Serbian dinar and restricting Serbian license plates. Kosovo's Prime Minister has included the dismantling of Serbian institutions in his electoral agenda, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.