Bosniak community MP Duda Balje has officially announced that her political group will move into the opposition. Her statement follows her absence from today’s vote for the new Speaker of the Assembly, where Albulena Haxhiu was a candidate.
Speaking on the “Kallxo Përnime” show, Balje said the decision was formalized today, although she feels she had already spent the past four years operating in opposition due to the lack of cooperation with the ruling Vetëvendosje Movement.
“I’ve essentially been in opposition these past four years. There has been no real cooperation with Vetëvendosje, not with the party structure, not at all. I had one deputy prime minister and two advisors during this whole time, voted on everything, and nothing changed—no understanding whatsoever,” Balje stated.
She expressed confidence that Vetëvendosje will find its own solution moving forward, while firmly asserting that her decision is final:
“We decided today to move into the opposition and I don’t believe there will be any changes to that.”
Tensions Over Ministry Offer and Municipal Demands
Balje also addressed earlier discussions about the possibility of her leading a ministry and her long-standing demand for the establishment of a Bosniak-majority municipality. According to her, Prime Minister Albin Kurti was strongly opposed to the idea.
“I only met the Prime Minister once, and in our second meeting—with Emilijan and Rasim—we discussed the ministerial proposal. But after that, I had no further communication, and all information came from the Deputy PM. It’s been two very difficult weeks—so much disrespect, humiliation, and lack of understanding.”
She stressed that her request for a Bosniak municipality was not meant to be immediately implemented but understood as a long-term process. Despite this, she says she felt excluded and misunderstood:
“I realized that when deputies from Kosovo’s multiethnic communities make specific requests, we’re not taken seriously. I never asked for instant results, but the Prime Minister made it clear he’s against it. I just couldn’t see myself continuing there.”
No Plans to Join AAK
Responding to speculation, Balje firmly denied rumors that she may join the parliamentary group of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK).
