Vlora Çitaku, Secretary-General of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), has stated that new parliamentary elections are inevitable and could take place by the end of 2025.
In an interview with KosovaPress, Çitaku emphasized that the ongoing political crisis has left Kosovo without functioning institutions for over eight months since the February 9 elections. She noted that while elections are unavoidable, the process must first await a ruling from the Constitutional Court, which is expected to clarify the next steps for the Kosovo Assembly.
“At this point, new parliamentary elections have become unavoidable. Too much time has been wasted. Mr. Kurti has cost Kosovo not only these months without institutions but also years, replacing responsible governance and coordination with allies with populism and confrontation,” Çitaku said.
The Constitutional Court has imposed a temporary suspension until September 30, blocking MPs from proceeding with the formation of a new government. This follows a complaint by the Serb List regarding the failure to elect a Serb deputy speaker of parliament.
Çitaku also argued that Vetëvendosje, as the winning party of the last elections, does not have enough parliamentary numbers to form a majority. She suggested that, due to technical timelines and the local election run-offs, parliamentary elections are unlikely before late 2025.
Background
At the end of August, the Kosovo Assembly elected its speaker and four deputy speakers, but failed to elect a deputy speaker from the Serb community. This prompted the Serb List to appeal to the Constitutional Court, claiming procedural violations.
Çitaku stressed that the package vote system for electing deputy speakers from minority communities was approved in the last legislature under Vetëvendosje’s majority, rejecting claims that this gives the Serb List a veto over parliament’s functioning.
PDK’s Election Prospects
Looking ahead to the October 12 local elections, Çitaku expressed confidence that PDK would retain its current municipalities and expand into others, including the capital, Pristina.
She also urged Kosovo’s youth to carefully follow the testimony of James Rubin, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, who appeared as a defense witness in The Hague trial of former KLA leaders.
