Bilall Sherifi from the Social Democratic Initiative (NISMA) has revealed behind-the-scenes details of meetings between Fatmir Limaj and Albin Kurti, explaining why no coalition agreement was reached between the two parties.
Speaking on the political talk show Pressing, Sherifi said that Limaj had made it clear to Kurti that NISMA was not interested in joining the government, but was open to parliamentary cooperation only.
“Limaj told Kurti clearly: ‘We’re ready for partnership in the Assembly, but not in the Government.’ The fact that he said no to a government partnership made further discussion irrelevant. Limaj didn’t even let Kurti make an offer — he stated directly that NISMA wasn’t interested,” Sherifi said.
According to Sherifi, after several meetings, Limaj briefed NISMA’s leadership, and the party unanimously decided not to enter the government, opting only for collaboration within the Assembly.
“The night before the parliamentary session, Limaj convened NISMA’s leadership and informed us about his talks with Kurti. A unanimous decision was made: ‘No to Government, only partnership in the Assembly.’ That hasn’t changed since,” Sherifi added.
He further disclosed that Kurti later attempted to re-establish contact after Dimal Basha’s appointment, but Limaj declined further discussions.
“Kurti tried to reach out again after Dimal Basha was elected, but Limaj told him that since they hadn’t agreed on parliamentary cooperation, and as he had no interest in joining the government, he simply wished him success going forward. That was their last communication,” Sherifi concluded.
