The political standoff in the Kosovo Assembly deepened during the 47th failed attempt to elect the Speaker, as PDK MP Eliza Hoxha took an unusual step: when denied the right to speak, she brought handwritten messages to the podium to express her party’s stance.
PDK’s protest comes after Avni Dehari, the acting chair of the session, repeatedly cut off microphones to block opposition MPs from making statements. In response, Hoxha silently held up papers with powerful messages, aimed at the ruling Vetëvendosje (VV) party.
Some of the signs read:
“Respect the Constitutional Court’s decision!”
“Return to the agenda!”
“Kosovo cannot be held hostage for one name.”
“Not even for one secret-ballot commission.”
“Please, call upon reason!”
“Do not damage democracy!”
“Do not hold Kosovo hostage!”
“You can silence our microphones… but you can never silence our voice!”
This visual protest underscores the deep political crisis in Kosovo, where opposition parties (PDK, LDK, AAK, and Lista Serbe) continue to boycott or reject the process for electing a new Speaker, especially the push for a secret ballot vote initiated by Vetëvendosje.
Despite 47 sessions, the Assembly remains unconstituted, with the next attempt set for July 17. The Constitutional Court has already declared that the Assembly must be constituted within 30 days of the first session, a deadline that is rapidly approaching.
