President Vjosa Osmani has just one day remaining to determine Kosovo’s next political step: either authorize a new government mandate or call early parliamentary elections.
On Friday, Osmani held consultations with party leaders following the failure of acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti to secure a parliamentary majority for government formation. Opposition leaders expressed support for early elections, while Kurti emphasized that “the constitution and the law are clear” and requested additional time to decide whether Vetëvendosje (VV) would propose a new mandate.
Osmani clarified that she cannot reappoint Kurti as prime minister for a second mandate, citing three Constitutional Court rulings that require a different candidate if a second attempt is to be made.
Party leaders indicated that no parliamentary majority currently exists. PDK leader Memli Krasniqi criticized Kurti for eight months of “manipulation and delays,” noting that forming a majority under current legislation is impossible. LDK leader Lumir Abdixhiku described the idea of a unity government as “ironically mentioned but impractical” at this stage. AAK leader Ramush Haradinaj suggested that Kurti is requesting extra time primarily to gain political leverage, and predicted early elections are likely, proposing December 7 as a suitable date.
Kurti, representing VV, received 56 votes—insufficient to form a government—confirming the stalemate and underscoring Kosovo’s impending move toward parliamentary elections.
