Bedri Hamza has announced his irrevocable resignation as leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), informing the party’s leadership of his decision on Wednesday.
Hamza said his departure would pave the way for a new internal electoral process through which party members would determine PDK’s future direction. He also stressed the importance of greater youth participation and creating opportunities for younger members to assume leadership responsibilities.
Hamza Says His Decisions Were Driven by Responsibility, Not Ambition
Reflecting on his political career, Hamza said he had taken on major responsibilities since 2020, following the transfer of former PDK leaders to The Hague, including running for mayor of Mitrovica, standing as a candidate for prime minister in three consecutive elections and leading the party.
He said these responsibilities had been motivated by a sense of duty toward PDK and Kosovo rather than personal ambition.
During his leadership, Hamza said, he had focused on maintaining party unity, strengthening its structures and preserving the trust of members and voters.
“I am not leaving PDK. I am stepping down only from the position of chairman, not from my belief in our political values. As long as I live, I will remain a loyal voter of the Democratic Party of Kosovo and a member of this large political family,” Hamza said.
Comments on Former KLA Leaders in The Hague
Hamza also addressed the proceedings and decisions of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers concerning former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders.
He expressed disappointment over what he described as injustice in The Hague, adding that efforts to secure justice, establish the truth and bring the former leaders back to their families and Kosovo would continue.
He concluded by thanking PDK members, party structures and supporters for their continued trust and backing.
Hamza emphasised that the interests of the party and the country must always take precedence over personal interests.
“I do not love PDK only to lead it. I have loved it, and I will continue to love it, even without leading it,” he added.
Hamza’s resignation opens the way for an internal leadership contest that will determine the party’s next leader.
