Corona and Democracy - Kosovo

Information on COVID-19 measures and democracy

• The Government of Kosovo initially decided to close all businesses and impose a curfew between 17:00-06:00. However, the number of cases rose exponentially therefore the Government imposed new stricter measures. The movement is now restricted only 90 minutes a day per person. You can find more details on the link below

   4 May:

• The government announced the easing of some restrictions (now citizens can leave their houses two 90-minute periods a day to perform essential tasks) Further lifting of restrictions would take place from 18 May and 1 June. People that do not comply with the rules can face a fine up to up to EUR 2,000 or if legal entities a fine up to EUR 8,000.

• Further restrictions on movement put in place
• https://www.worldaware.com/covid-19-alert-kosovo-eases-restrictions-may-4

• Local elections were supposed to be held in one municipality but they were postponed
• No new dates have been announced yet
• The Kosovo Electoral Commission offers no digital alternatives

• President Thaçi decides to postpone the elections for Mayor of Podujeva

• Limitation apply to all citizens
• Police, Health workers, journalists etc. are exempt

• President of Kosovo called for a state of emergency but this was not approved by the Prime Minister
• President called citizens to disobey government curfew because according to him the restrictions were unconstitutional without declaring a state of emergency beforehand.
• The Kosovo Constitutional Court declared that the restriction of movement was not constitutional

• President calls on citizens to disobey government measures
•  Constitutional Court Rules against Kosovo Government’s Restrictive Coronavirus Measures