The mandate of Glauk Konjufca to form a government by President Vjosa Osmani has triggered widespread reactions across Kosovo’s political spectrum. While the president and representatives of Lëvizja Vetëvendosje (LVV) defend the decision as fully constitutional, the opposition has criticized it as a theatrical move.
Key Reactions:
- Ramush Haradinaj, leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), described the mandate as a constitutional violation.
- Enver Hasani, former president of the Constitutional Court, called the decision arbitrary.
- Eugen Cakolli, from the Democratic Institute of Kosovo (KDI), warned that the mandate could set a dangerous precedent for the future.
On November 4, Osmani mandated Konjufca to form a government, explaining at a press conference that her action was in full compliance with Kosovo’s Constitution. She emphasized that she was convinced by LVV, the largest party, that Konjufca had a realistic chance of securing a parliamentary majority. According to Osmani, the Constitution requires probable chances, not guarantees.
“Article 95, paragraph 4 of the Constitution clearly obliges the president to appoint the next candidate within ten days according to the same procedure. The Constitution does not leave discretion to refuse a second candidate if proposed by the largest party. The language is mandatory,” Osmani said.
Albin Kurti, who failed to form a government on October 26, explained that Konjufca’s nomination was intended to avoid repeated elections within months and allow urgent decisions to move forward.
However, opposition parties have reiterated that they will not support Konjufca:
- PDK stated that the only solution is new elections.
- LDK leader Lumir Abdixhiku called LVV’s move a “theatrical performance.”
- AAK and Nisma Socialdemokrate also confirmed their opposition, citing the lack of evidence of a parliamentary majority.
Constitutional Concerns:
Enver Hasani argued that the mandate represents abuse of power and subjectivity, as it bypasses objective criteria set by the Constitution and prior court rulings.
Eugen Cakolli stressed that probable chances for forming a government should be measurable and verifiable, warning that acting solely on “chances” could create a dangerous precedent, where multiple parties might claim a majority without objective proof.
Under the Constitution, the designated candidate has 15 days from receiving the mandate (from November 4) to present the proposed government to Parliament. The candidate must secure at least 61 votes to be confirmed. If the second candidate fails, new elections must be held within 40 days of the failed mandate.
Background:
On October 26, Albin Kurti’s attempt to form the “Kurti 3” government failed as he secured only 56 votes, five short of the required minimum.
