The Democratic Party of Kosovo calls for a reduction in fuel taxes
The Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) has called for an immediate reduction of fuel taxes and other concrete measures to support citizens and businesses.
PDK MP Arben Mustafa, at a press conference, said that the government’s priority remains collecting taxes and preserving them for electoral spending.
“We clearly demand an immediate reduction of taxes on fuel so that prices reflect the economic reality of citizens and not only the government’s fiscal interests. We call for concrete and direct measures to protect farmers and local producers, including additional subsidies and support for basic inputs during this critical season. We also demand a clear and measurable emergency plan to cope with rising prices that guarantees stability for citizens and businesses. We call for strengthening and fully empowering market oversight institutions,” the PDK MP stated.
Mustafa said that Kosovo has entered a new wave of price increases driven by rising fuel prices.
According to him, Kosovo’s economy and its citizens need the state’s support, but the state is acting as a spectator in the face of rising prices.
“Kosovo has entered a new wave of price increases. After the major price hikes that occurred in 2022, citizens are now facing another sharp increase, mainly driven by rising fuel prices. Today, the price of fuel in Kosovo has reached around 1 euro and 80 cents. This is too high and unaffordable for a country with the lowest incomes in Europe… In such a situation, the economy needs the hand of the state, and citizens need protection from prices that are increasingly eroding their standard of living. However, that support is not being seen, because those governing Kosovo today are the same ones who governed in 2022, when they allowed inflation to surge without any response. They are doing the same today by remaining spectators to a sharp rise in prices,” he said.
Mustafa also commented on the statement of Minister of Trade, Mimoza Kusari-Lila, who said that removing VAT and excise duties on fuel is not possible.
In response, the PDK MP said that the government lacks the will to help citizens.
“This government has no will to make any changes when it comes to easing the tax burden on citizens. From what the minister said, it is clear that such a move is neither an option nor under consideration, at a time when all countries in the region have taken measures to ease the tax burden. When it serves electoral or narrow party interests, they find ways to challenge the law, but when they lack the will to help citizens, they hide behind the law,” he said.
