Kosovo’s civil society organizations have reacted to the process by which the acting Government approved the Draft Law on the 2026 Budget, calling the move unconstitutional and in violation of legal provisions.
In a joint statement addressed to President Vjosa Osmani, they emphasized that today’s vote by members of the acting government contradicts the Law on Government and the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo, since some of those who voted are already certified as members of the new Assembly.
“The action taken today by the acting Government in approving the draft budget violates the legal requirements set out in the Law on Government and the Constitution,” the statement reads. “This is because the individuals who voted are certified deputies of the Assembly of Kosovo.”
Civil society groups noted that while the acting Government can propose the draft budget under existing law, the process must be fully compliant with the Constitution, legislation, and rulings of the Supreme Court—which clearly state that no individual can simultaneously serve as a member of the Government and a deputy.
They further argued that, to ensure legal validity, the proposal should have been signed only by deputy prime ministers and ministers who are not elected deputies, and any deviation undermines the legitimacy of the budget law.
The statement warns that such actions, especially amid a sensitive political period, threaten institutional stability and the rule of law.
“Any attempt to bypass the Law on Government, the Supreme Court ruling, and the Constitution not only harms the budget approval process but also damages the democratic principles of governance,” the organizations said.
The civil society groups also criticized the lack of inclusive institutional consultation in preparing the budget package, claiming it deepens the political crisis and risks further polarization ahead of both local and potentially national elections.
They concluded that while a functioning budget is vital for the stability of the state, the method used today violates key constitutional principles and could lead to a serious financial and institutional impasse if not rectified.
Signed,
GAP Institute
