Following the recent developments in the Kosovo Assembly, where the opposition did not support his candidacy for deputy speaker, Nenad Rashiq, minister and MP, commented in an interview with Tëvë1 about the situation, the lack of support, and his political stance outside of the Serb List.
Rashiq said he was pleased that the Assembly managed to elect its Speaker and that the process is moving forward after a long institutional deadlock.
“Yesterday, after many sessions, to be honest, I am glad that we took a step forward and elected the Speaker of Parliament. I believe we have overcome the deadlock we had,” he said.
He emphasized that he was the only candidate outside the Serb List and that he had nominated himself due to the lack of support from others.
“I was the only one outside the Serb List, and I nominated myself because there was no one else to propose me. Based on my political vision and the efforts I’ve given for 20 years, I thought it was time to begin working for a democratic society,” said Rashiq.
He criticized the current representatives of the Serb community in the Assembly, arguing they do not adequately represent the people who elected them.
“The representation we’ve had was not adequate, and even the current representatives there are not adequate to reflect the views of the Serbian people,” he added.
Regarding claims from some opposition MPs that his candidacy was unconstitutional, Rashiq said he consulted constitutional experts, who confirmed there was no legal violation.
“Some MPs told me this kind of vote was unconstitutional. I said it is not unconstitutional. Yesterday afternoon, I met with some people who deal with constitutional issues, and they told me there is no violation if someone like me is voted for deputy speaker,” Rashiq declared.
He announced that he will run again for deputy speaker in line with parliamentary rules.
“Yes, according to the rules, tomorrow I will run again. If the Serb List candidate is not voted in, as you know, Mr. Basha drew lots. We have the right to run up to three times, and if we do not succeed in three attempts, then we no longer have the right to run,” Rashiq explained.
Rashiq also expressed surprise at the opposition’s refusal to support him, recalling his past cooperation with opposition parties.
“I truly believe in the willingness of the opposition and political parties. But let me remind you that I have been in politics for a long time and worked with PDK, but also with AAK, LDK, and Nisma. I consider this perhaps came as a surprise,” he concluded.
