Kosovo Opposition Parties Plan Anti-Government Protest

Kosovo opposition parties announced a protest in Pristina on Saturday against what they call the "hijacking of the government" by the ruling parties, the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) and the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK).

They called on all "unsatisfied citizens, farmers, students and all of those who are unemployed" to join them.

They will lead a march through central Pristina, passing by all the institutions that they allege have been "seized" by the ruling parties, including the Constitutional Court, the electricity distributor and Radio Television of Kosovo.

The march is due to finish up in front of the government building.

The united opposition parties, which include the Vetevendosje Movement, the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) and the Initiative for Kosovo (NISMA), are calling for the removal of the Justice Minister Hajredin Kuci, the resignation of the head of the constitutional court and the removal of the RTK management.

They are also against the formation of the Association of Serb Municipalities, which will represent Serb-majority areas in Kosovo, and will be set up as part of the Brussels Agreement to normalise ties with Belgrade.

The protests are seen as a continuation of demonstrations in January which led to the removal of Serb minister Aleksandar Jablanovic.

However one protest ended in clashes with police in Pristina that left over 170 people injured and 120 arrested.