Kosovo’s political deadlock continues as efforts to constitute the ninth legislature failed for the 31st time on Friday. Although 80 deputies were present, only 47 participated in the vote to form the commission overseeing the secret ballot for the Speaker. Before and after the session, political party representatives aired their stances on the Democratic League of Kosovo’s (LDK) proposal for a “Government of Unity,” a plan that was never officially submitted to them.
LDK’s “Unofficial” Unity Government Proposal Draws Criticism
The LDK presented its 15-point agenda for a Government of National Unity at a press conference on Thursday but chose not to formally circulate it to other political parties. LDK deputies Armend Zemaj and Ekrem Hyseni stated that an official submission wasn’t necessary, as the topics were already public and being analyzed. This approach, however, became a point of contention.
Vetëvendosje and PDK Reject the Plan
Deputies from Vetëvendosje (LVV), the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), and the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) confirmed they had not officially received the plan.
Artan Abrashi, an LVV deputy, outright rejected the proposal, citing “insurmountable logical difficulties” in LDK’s agenda. He questioned how LVV could agree on such a broad agenda when there’s no consensus even on a minor issue like forming a secret ballot commission. PDK had also expressed early opposition to the plan.
While LDK leader Lumir Abdixhiku acknowledged that no political bloc currently holds enough votes to form institutions, PDK leader Memli Krasniqi challenged the LDK. Krasniqi asserted he could secure the necessary votes if LDK supported PDK’s proposal for a government of former opposition parties, claiming that with just 19 LDK votes, the former opposition could reach 61, excluding the Serb List.
AAK and Nisma Await Formal Presentation
The AAK appreciated LDK’s initiative to unblock the situation, with deputy Daut Haradinaj suggesting the leading party should reflect and give direction to the situation as soon as possible. However, Fatmir Limaj, leader of Nisma, stated they are awaiting a formal presentation of the plan.
The diverging positions on LDK’s 15-point agenda were articulated before and after the 31st failed attempt to constitute the Assembly. In Friday’s session, 40 deputies were absent, and out of the 80 present, only 47 participated in the vote concerning the commission for the secret ballot for the Speaker.
The next continuation of the constitutive session is set for Sunday at 11:00 AM.
