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Behgjet Isa PacolliKosovan politician and businessman, third President of the Republic of Kosovo
Date of Birth: 30.08.1951
Country:  Serbia |
Content:
- Behgjet Pacolli: A Kosovo Politician and Businessman
- Early Life and Education
- Military Service and Post-Army Career
- Business Ventures in Switzerland and the Soviet Union
- Mabetex Group and the Kremlin Reconstruction Allegations
- Humanitarian and Philanthropic Efforts
- Other philanthropic initiatives spearheaded by Pacolli include:
- - Renovating a hospital in Budyonnovsk, Russia
- - Providing scholarships for 15 students
- - Founding the Behgjet Pacolli Foundation (financial assistance)
- Alliance for New Kosova (AKR)
Behgjet Pacolli: A Kosovo Politician and Businessman
Behgjet Pacolli is a prominent political figure and businessman who served as the third President of the Republic of Kosovo. He is also the Chairman of the Mabetex Group, a global construction and engineering company.
Early Life and Education
Behgjet Pacolli was born into a modest family in the village of Marec, near the municipality of Pristina, Kosovo. His interest in academics led him to pursue higher education in Pristina after completing his primary and secondary education. Upon graduating, he received a degree in pedagogy. In 1970, his educational journey continued in Hamburg, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics, Marketing, and Management.
Military Service and Post-Army Career
Pacolli served in the army for 11 months in a special unit, where he gained valuable experience and forged close ties with prominent figures, including the then-President of Yugoslavia, Josip Tito. After his military tenure, he returned to Kosovo, where he applied his acquired knowledge and network.
Business Ventures in Switzerland and the Soviet Union
In 1976, Pacolli left Kosovo and joined Zimmer Textile Technology as a regional manager, where he worked for eight years. Subsequently, he moved to Switzerland in 1987 to lead Enterplastica Engineering as its top manager. During his time at Enterplastica Engineering, he played a pivotal role in establishing business ties with the Soviet Union. He successfully executed over a hundred projects, generating significant revenue for the company.
Mabetex Group and the Kremlin Reconstruction Allegations
In 1990, Pacolli founded Mabetex Project Management (later known as Mabetex Group) with the support of his former supervisor, Max Gigax. The company gained prominence in the early 1990s for its involvement in the restoration of the Moscow Kremlin. This project, valued at $300 million, came under scrutiny in 1998 when Russian authorities initiated an investigation into alleged corruption. The investigation alleged that Mabetex and its partners bribed Russian officials to secure the lucrative contract. Pacolli was subsequently questioned by the Swiss Attorney General, Carla del Ponte, in 1999.
In 2000, a Swiss judicial investigator, Daniel Devaud, accused Pacolli of money laundering amounting to $4 million. Additionally, Swiss authorities alleged that Pacolli was involved in a criminal network aimed at securing illegal benefits from contracts signed with Russia. However, the Russian General Prosecutor's Office dismissed the charges against Mabetex in 2000, citing a lack of evidence.
Humanitarian and Philanthropic Efforts
Throughout his career, Pacolli has demonstrated a deep commitment to humanitarian work. During the Kosovo War, he collaborated with his Italian acquaintances to deliver essential aid to Albania. Mabetex provided five trucks filled with supplies to assist those affected by the conflict.
Beyond humanitarian aid, Pacolli has extended significant support to children in need. He has funded the medical treatment of 132 seriously ill children in western countries. He has also donated €5 million to the American University in Kosovo for renovations and upgrades, transforming it into one of the best-equipped universities in the region.
Other philanthropic initiatives spearheaded by Pacolli include:
- Expanding the University of Pristina's Faculty of Humanities- Restoring a 14th-century monument in Pristina
- Supporting sports events through sponsorships and government funding
- Building and distributing 20 houses to individuals impacted by the Kosovo conflict
- Renovating a hospital in Budyonnovsk, Russia
- Constructing a school for disabled children in Yakutsk, Russia- Establishing a medical assistance program for 150 children in Switzerland since 1993
- Providing scholarships for 15 students
- Offering ongoing support to individuals in need through Mabetex and his personal resources
- Establishing the Foundation of Reconstruction of Kosovo (FORK Foundation)
- Founding the Behgjet Pacolli Foundation (financial assistance)
- Supporting cultural events through the Ibrahim Kodra Foundation- Hosting conferences and providing transportation services through the South East European Development (SEED) Foundation
Alliance for New Kosova (AKR)
In 2006, Behgjet Pacolli established the AKR alliance (Alliance for New Kosova) as a political party. This organization seeks to promote economic development and liberal principles, including the free movement of people, goods, capital, and intellectual resources.
