Focus Group on Political Extremism in Prizren – Open Reflections on Democratic Dialogue and Public Discourse

 On July 25th, 2025, the Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS) held a local focus group in the premises of ITP Park, Prizren, as part of the international project OppAttune – Countering Oppositional Political Extremism Through Attuned Dialogue, funded by the Horizon Europe programme.

This event aimed to collect citizens' views, experiences, and reflections regarding political extremism in Kosovo – with a particular focus on the challenges of political communication, media manipulation, hate speech, and the space for democratic dialogue in a polarized environment.

👥 The session gathered 12 participants from various backgrounds – including civil society activists, local representatives, and engaged citizens – who shared their insights through an open and inclusive discussion.

📌 Key discussion points included:

• The erosion of active listening and its replacement with one-sided monologues in public debates;
• The use of media manipulation as a tool for disinformation and political advantage;
• The rise of hate speech in online platforms, often spread through fake accounts;
• Gender-based obstacles for women in politics and the lack of support for substantive representation;
• The growing gap between citizens and institutions due to poor transparency and limited inclusion in decision-making;
• The importance of promoting constructive criticism while avoiding public shaming as a political tactic.

Participants emphasized that social fragmentation, weak civic education, and the erosion of collective values are key factors fueling political polarization. They also highlighted the need for professional moderators in public discourse and the creation of a culture grounded in ethical communication and mutual respect.

KCSS extends its sincere gratitude to all participants for their valuable input and thoughtful contributions. The insights from this session will inform further analysis and policy recommendations aimed at strengthening democratic culture and inclusive political engagement in Kosovo.

OppAttune is a Horizon-Europe funded project involving 17 partners across Europe and beyond which aims to develop an innovative Attunement Model which will track, attune, and limit the spread of extreme political narratives. Co-Funded by the European Union with Grant Agreement No. 101095170.