Albulena Haxhiu of the Vetëvendosje Movement (LVV) was re-elected Speaker of the Kosovo Assembly with 62 votes during the third continuation of the constitutive session, which has been ongoing since August 6.
However, the process stalled once again over the election of the Assembly’s five deputy speakers – three from Albanian parties and two representing non-majority communities.
Political parties failed to reach agreement on whether the deputy speakers should be voted on individually or as a package, as had been the practice in the previous legislature.
Arbërie Nagavci of LVV argued that the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) were requesting support for deputy speaker candidates while refusing to back a broader agreement on the presidential issue.
PDK and LDK, meanwhile, accused LVV and acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti of delaying the formation of Kosovo’s new institutions following the June elections.
Another dispute emerged after Serbian List MP Igor Simić proposed Slavko Simić for deputy speaker “on behalf of the Serbian people.” Speaker Haxhiu asked him to withdraw the wording and resubmit the proposal, arguing that Kosovo’s Constitution recognizes one civic people of Kosovo, while guaranteeing extensive rights and representation for all communities.
The issue added to existing political tensions, and Haxhiu adjourned the session until Friday.
The Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), which holds seven seats, boycotted the session, claiming that LVV had already exceeded constitutional and self-imposed deadlines for completing the establishment of institutions.
The constitution of the Assembly is a necessary step toward forming a new government and electing the country’s president. The inability of political parties to reach consensus on the presidency was one of the main reasons behind the June elections.
If parties again fail to find common ground, Kosovo could face yet another election cycle — potentially the fourth since February 2025.
