Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti has stated that he is now entering the second quarter of the fifth year of his full term, suggesting that the current political impasse is prolonging his time in power, rather than shortening it — contrary to what is typically expected in a democracy.
“You all know that I’ve entered the second quarter of the fifth year of my full mandate. Every democratic opposition tries to shorten a government’s term. The exception is the Kosovar opposition, which as you are all witnesses is actually extending the AK government’s mandate,” Kurti said.
Addressing speculation, Kurti dismissed any suggestions of a secret deal between the ruling party and the opposition to remain in power longer:
“Some may think we have an agreement, that we as a government in office have some deal with the current opposition to stay in power as long as possible. But I assure you this is not true.”
Kurti pointed out that unlike typical democratic norms, the opposition in Kosovo is failing to act as a counterbalance to the executive and instead appears to be passively enabling the continuation of his government.
He emphasized that Kosovo’s institutions are stuck, and said he has no explanation for the current state of affairs:
“According to Article 31 of the Law on Government, we have fewer powers as a caretaker government, but our workload remains unchanged — we still have a lot to do. The sooner the Assembly is constituted by electing its presidency through a secret ballot, the sooner a new government can be formed.”
He concluded by affirming the current political reality:
“Until there is a new government, Kurti 3 remains the acting government. That’s the reality — there’s nothing more to add.”
