Kosovo
Kosovo MP’s Sexist Language Stirrs Political and Civil Society Reactions
A sexist remark made by a ruling party MP during a parliamentary session has sparked reactions from opposition and civil society organisations in Kosovo.
A comment made by Vetëvendosje MP Fatos Geci during a Kosovo Assembly session on Tuesday sparked widespread criticism after it escalated into a political dispute and ended with a personal insult directed at opposition MP Vlora Çitaku, in which he mocked her age and marital status.
Geci, addressing members of the Democratic Party of Kosovo, PDK, referred to the recent life sentence of Naim Murseli for the murder of his wife, Liridona Ademaj, and said that former president Hashim Thaçi would face a similar fate.
“I welcome the court’s decision on Naim Murseli, and those of you hoping your leader will be freed should know he will meet the same fate,” Geci said.
His statement drew immediate criticism from Deputy Speaker of Parliament Vlora Çitaku of PDK, who called the comment inappropriate and offensive.
“I never imagined that we would hear a statement effectively wishing life imprisonment on individuals who fought for this country’s freedom from the Assembly. This is shameful. Vetëvendosje should distance itself [from this kind of behaviour],” Çitaku said.
The exchange escalated when Geci responded with a personal and sexist insult directed at Çitaku, commenting on her age and marital status. “You’ve turned 100 years old. You remain unmarried, like a sorry excuse for a woman.”
The remark was condemned by civil society. The Kosovo-based NGO QIKA, which advocates for gender equality, described the language as, “clear sexism and violence against women in politics.”
“Attacks against women in politics often have nothing to do with their work, positions, or arguments, but instead target their private lives, marital status, and employ gender stereotypes in an attempt to delegitimise them in public spaces,” the statement read. QIKA called on political parties to distance themselves from such language and urged institutional action.
Prime Minister Albin Kurti, responding to media questions on Wednesday, said he does not have the authority to discipline members of other political parties, noting that Geci is affiliated with the Guxo party, a government partner of Vetevendosje.
“I am the prime minister, not the head of a disciplinary commission, especially for someone from another party,” Kurti said.
PDK MP Ganimete Musliu also condemned the remarks, emphasising that such language is unacceptable.
“This is about showing that anyone who dares to insult, lynch, or threaten a woman will be confronted. Our path has been paved by women who have challenged mindsets, broken barriers, and never backed down in the face of injustice,” she said.
Media lawyer Flutura Kusari also reacted to the incident, highlighting the broader issue faced by women in public life. She noted that when women speak publicly, their opinions and expertise are often overshadowed by comments about their personal lives, appearance, or age.
“If you are a woman, a professional, and you dare to speak publicly, a sexist will try to shut you down with sexist comments,” Kusari noted.
