Performance: “Seeds of Falsehood”
Pristina, 9 December 2024 – FOL Movement, with the support of the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), marks the International Anti-Corruption Day through the performance “ Seeds of Falsehood “, with the common goal: raising society’s awareness in the fight against corruption and the inevitable need for collective reflection on the harmful consequences of this phenomenon.
Mexhide Demolli-Nimani, Executive Director of FOL Movement, said that on this marked day, we all need to reflect on the phenomenon that damages the foundations of the state and the healthy substances of our society, with such a great impact on the quality of our social life and institutional progress.
“In addition to being an illegal act, this phenomenon constitutes an ongoing process that undermines citizens’ trust in public institutions, threatens democracy and the rule of law, inevitably weakens the integrity of state institutions, increases social inequality, and hinders the country’s economic development,” said Demolli-Nimani.
According to her, in Kosovo, since its independence, the fight against corruption has been and continues to be an essential state and social challenge. Different governments have designed and approved different laws and strategies, and have made various promises. However, every government that has led our country has failed to fulfill even the promises they themselves had made.
“Even the current government, which came with the political motto “Justice and Work”, and that they would govern with clean hands and fight corruption, has failed to fulfill the promises made. In addition, a series of scandals and corruption cases have burdened ministers, functionaries and senior officials of this government.
Nepotistic appointments, unjustified spending of public funds, and dubious tenders without transparency have become elements of institutional dysfunction, while the failure to finalize the drafting of the National Strategy for Combating Corruption clearly demonstrates the will of this government to fight corruption, which for two years failed to finalize such a strategy.
Demolli-Nimani said that accusations of misuse of state reserves, failure to declare assets, forgiveness of millions of euros in debts for Kosovo’s water bottlers, interference in the justice system, control of the media, pressure on journalists and public lynchings, single-source contracts, parliamentary “evening bargains” – were just some of the practices that have characterized this government. These practices certainly have caused great concerns among citizens and damaged their trust in public institutions.
Reports from the most credible national and international organizations have highlighted that political interference, captured administration and high presence of corruption are major obstacles to the implementation of the law. Weaknesses of the judicial system and the lack of accountability have created an environment where corruption is not only tolerated, but also cultivated.
This situation requires immediate intervention followed by radical and effective reforms to build institutions that focus on prosperity and gain the trust of citizens, as well as to prevent and combat this dangerous phenomenon in all important state and social circles.
According to her, the phrase “Fight against corruption” should not only be used as a political slogan in election campaigns and media conferences, but should be followed up with effective strategies and policies and concrete results.
Corruption is not an isolated and abstract phenomenon. Corruption, in one way or another, affects the most important aspects of citizens’ lives, such as: education, health, justice and the economy, giving priority to personal interests over public ones. Faced with this reality, a joint commitment is needed from public institutions, civil society and citizens to combat this phenomenon.
In marking of this day, we have chosen to present an artistic performance that symbolizes the impact of corruption in our society. The artistic work “Seeds of Falsehood” reflects a reality where lack of honesty and transparency creates a deep darkness that hinders the development of the country.
The symbolism of the work is clear: seeds planted without honesty cannot bear healthy fruit. Therefore, we should not see corruption simply as a stain on the white paper of our society, but as a false seed that sprouts, blooms, and poisons our daily soil.
But at its center, there is a flickering light, small but visible – like the courage of a citizen who decides to speak up, a whistleblower, which constitutes the first step towards change.
This message reminds us that change begins with each one of us. Everyone’s commitment, either by denouncing injustices or by supporting reforms, is vital for building a future without corruption.
The fight against corruption is not only the duty of justice institutions, but a shared responsibility of all citizens.
The fight against corruption begins with small deeds: with the simple act of rejecting injustice.
So today, let’s make a joint commitment: to be the lights of the way towards a fairer, more transparent and more integrity-oriented society.
Contents of the Handbook:
The “Seeds of Falsehood” handbook, created in collaboration with artist Driton Selmani, is a visual guideline that aims to help people see and understand the corrupt practices that often hide behind the surface. This 11-point manifesto is designed to show how even a small action or thing can be part of hidden deals, made behind closed doors, or part of “seeds” that are fraudulently subsidized.
With illustrations depicting everyday situations, this handbook provides an easy visual way to understand how seemingly innocent phenomena are connected to invisible influences, which help to uncover dark deals. Ironic language is used to awaken people’s awareness, to make them understand the influences that often go unnoticed, and to empower them to see and avoid these hidden deals that affect everyday life.
Seeds of Falsehood is a tool to bring light to a more just and clean society, to provide simple and clear explanations to fight injustices and to promote honesty and responsibility.
Anti-Corruption Week 2024 is organized thanks to the support of the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).
