NACIONALE’s Fight Against IFIMES: Scrutiny or Strategy?
In the polarised Balkans, media clashes like IFIMES vs. NACIONALE expose deep struggles over credibility, political influence, and the role of analysis in shaping public opinion.
In the ever-polarised political landscape of the Balkans, media narratives often serve as both a mirror and a weapon, reflecting and shaping public opinion in equal measure. The latest dispute between the International Institute for Middle Eastern and Balkan Studies (IFIMES) and the Kosovo-based outlet NACIONALE is emblematic of a broader struggle over credibility, influence, and the role of media in political affairs. At the heart of the controversy is IFIMES’ recent report1 on the upcoming 2025 parliamentary elections in Kosovo, which paints a picture of an increasingly complex and volatile political environment. The report has sparked a ferocious rebuttal from NACIONALE2, which accuses the Slovenian-based think tank of engaging in political manipulation and partisanship. But beneath the surface, this is a battle over professional integrity, journalistic credibility, and the role of analysis in an era of heightened political sensitivity.
IFIMES, a research institute based in Ljubljana,…
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