UNDP presents findings of latest Public Pulse in Kosovo

UNDP presents findings of latest Public Pulse in Kosovo

"While the overall satisfaction levels with Kosovo’s political orientation remains low, the October 2017 poll demonstrates moderate increase (14%
compared to 8% in October 2016). The perception of the citizens about safety has also increased by approximately ten percentage points," the statement said, and added:

"Through the Public Pulse Poll citizens were asked to identify the paramount problems that Kosovo is facing today. Among others, citizens reported unemployment (40% as compared to 48% in October 2016), corruption (17% as compared to 7% in October 2016) and poverty (9% as compared to 21% in October 2016), as the biggest issues which affect their social wellbeing.

Approximately 46% of respondents are either dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with Kosovo’s current economic direction, while only about 18% are satisfied. When analyzed on ethnic basis, the opinion poll data indicate that the proportion of dissatisfied K-Serbs (57%, as compared to 63% in October 2016) remains higher than that of K-Albanians (47%, as compared to 69% in October 2016) and K-other communities (20%, as compared to 73% in October 2016)

36% of Kosovans are still willing to join public protests for political reasons. When analysing these findings along ethnic lines, a higher percentage of K-Albanians (38.5%) than of K-Serbs (6%, compared to 39.5% in October 2016) are willing to join protests for political reasons. Only 14% of members of other ethnic groups (compared to 28% in October 2016) declared to be willing to protest for political reasons.

Majority of Kosovans (79%) believe that family connections, bribes, party alliances, and other non-merit based factors are most helpful in gaining employment in the public sector. Only around 22% of respondents believe that education, professional experience, and vocational training help to effectively gain employment in the public sector.

Institutions that Kosovans perceive to have the highest prevalence of large-scale corruption are: healthcare providers 25.5% (as compared to 50% in October 2016), Kosovo municipalities 25,5%, Kosovo Electricity Distribution Company (KEDS) 20.5% (as compared to 31% in October 2016), the courts 25% (as compared to 49% in October 2016), customs 23% (as compared to 45% in October 2016), and central administration 31% (as compared to 49% in October 2016). The new trend is that citizens of Kosovo sees the municipalities or local authorities as more responsible.

The report reveals that half of Kosovo citizens (48%) creates the opinion through print and electronic media, then conversation with friends and cousins (32%) and rest (7%)."