Press release – Ombudsperson’s statement related to RTK
25/07/2025
Pristina, July 25th, 2025 – The Ombudsperson expresses deep concern and calls for immediate action by state institutions regarding the situation created at Radio Television of Kosovo (RTK) – due to the institutional deadlock following the recent elections – which has left around 700 employees of the public broadcaster without monthly salaries.
The Ombudsperson was informed of these concerns during a meeting on 18 July with the management of RTK, where they stressed that if this issue is not resolved by the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, RTK risks stopping its operations due to a lack of budget.
This situation, as a direct consequence of the failure to constitute the Assembly and the lack of an active authority to approve budget expenditures, poses a clear risk of violation of fundamental human rights. This is not just a political crisis – it is a violation of fundamental rights.
The Ombudsperson stresses that the situation directly affects these rights guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights:
– The right to property – wages earned through work constitute a protected property interest. Its non-distribution due to political dysfunction constitutes unlawful interference.
– The right to access to justice – in the absence of a functional authority, workers are unable to seek justice effectively.
– Freedom of expression – if this situation affects the functioning of the public media, then the public’s rights to free and unbiased information are also violated.
The Ombudsperson calls on the incumbent Government to use temporary budgetary instruments to execute wages. The state cannot withdraw from its basic obligations to citizens just because the institutions are in crisis. The non-distribution of wages is not a technical issue – it is a matter of dignity, vital security and social justice.