| 2013 protest in Kosovo | |
| Date: | February-May 2013 |
| Place: | Prishtina, |
| Goals: |
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| Methods: | Peaceful demonstrations, marches. |
| Result: | Kosovo Parliament investigated the high electricity bills in a report. Electricity price did not increase. The Government started the procedure to remove Arben Gjukaj from the position of CEO of KEC. |
| Side1: | Consumers |
| Side2: | Government of Kosovo |
| Leadfigures1: |
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| Leadfigures2: | |
| Howmany1: | 4,000-12,000 citizens (KFOR estimates) |
| Howmany2: | Unknown number of Police Officers |
| Casualties1: | 0 arrested |
| Casualties2: | 0 injured and wounded |
The 2013 protests began in Pristina, Kosovo after in response to high electricity bills. Sparked by comments on social media, more than 1000 people gathered in front of Kosovo's Electricity Corporation building in February.[1] The protests continued for several weeks, eventually turning into a protest against corruption. Some of the main slogans from the protest where "KEK pumping bills", "No country with thieves," and "Stop the theft, develop the state". In May, protests spread to other cities in Kosovo. The government responded cautiously during the protests, promising fulfillment of all requirements set by protesters.[2]
Because of the protest, a planned increase of 5% for the electricity bill was halted. The Parliament started an investigation which resulted in a detailed report sent to the Government and Electricity Regulatory Authority of Kosovo. It was also seen as an notable protest because it was one of the rare ones in Kosovo started by the population without any involvement from political parties or NGO's.[3]