The leader of the LDK, Lumir Abdixhiku, in a recent interview repeated his generalizing statements about the media and journalists. Without mentioning names, Abdixhiku spoke of "media mercenaries" and claimed that the more they slander, the more their bank account grows, Express writes.
Regarding this language of the LDK leader towards journalists and media outlets, the OSCE mission in Kosovo spoke in a response to Gazeta Express.
The OSCE says that language that questions the professionalism and integrity of journalists contributes to a growing climate of mistrust.
“The OSCE Mission in Kosovo notes that language that questions the professionalism or integrity of journalists can contribute to a climate of mistrust. Public communication by political and public figures carries particular weight, and careful and responsible language helps support an environment in which journalists can carry out their work freely,” an OSCE spokesperson told Express.
The OSCE emphasizes that at a time when media freedom indicators have shown problems, it is important to encourage constructive dialogue and preserve the conditions that enable independent journalism and informed public debate.
In response to Express, the OSCE encouraged all politicians to show restraint and responsibility in their public statements regarding journalists and the media.
"Unfounded accusations can contribute to hostility and create risks for media professionals. Political leaders must ensure that any concerns are addressed through appropriate legal or regulatory channels, and they have an important role in fostering an environment where the media can operate freely, safely and independently, which is vital for transparency, accountability and the healthy functioning of democracy," the OSCE spokesperson concluded for Gazeta Express.
Regarding the language used by Lumir Abdixhiku in addressing the media, the Association of Kosovo Journalists has also reacted. The Association of Kosovo Journalists had strongly condemned the language used by the leader of the LDK.
"The Association of Kosovo Journalists (AGK) strongly condemns the repeated accusatory language of the LDK leader, Lumir Abdixhiku, against the media and journalists in Kosovo. In a television interview last night, Abdixhiku spoke again about "media mercenaries", saying that "they very easily give a slander, irresponsibility, only to have their bank account increased by sponsors and various opponents". These claims by Mr. Abdixhiku are a frontal attack against the media, freedom of the media and expression in Kosovo", the AGK wrote in reaction.
LDK, through a press release, reacted to AGK's stance, arguing that Abdixhiku's criticism is not related to the media as institutions or professional journalists, but to harmful phenomena within the media.
"It is also important to emphasize that our criticism has not been directed at the media as an institution nor at professional journalists who perform their work with integrity every day. Our reaction was, is and will remain towards harmful phenomena within the media that deviate from professional standards and damage public trust by encouraging defamation," the LDK's response stated.
In 2025, Kosovo recorded its biggest decline in 15 years in the Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index, ranking 99th out of 180 countries. The Reporters Without Borders report cited political pressure from the government on the media, government boycotts, and attacks on journalists.
This was the second consecutive year that Kosovo had recorded a decline, as in 2024 it fell from 56th place to 75th. /GazetaExpress/
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