The Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) has withdrawn all demands for participation in Kosovo’s government, including its request for the presidency, party leader Lumir Abdixhiku announced Thursday following a meeting of the LDK parliamentary group.
Abdixhiku said the party had initially sought the presidency as part of an effort to establish what he described as a balance between Kosovo’s key institutions.
According to Abdixhiku, the ruling Vetëvendosje Movement (LVV) had offered the LDK what he characterized as a largely symbolic role in government, consisting of three ministerial positions and the post of deputy prime minister.
“Vetëvendosje sought a decorative presence of the LDK in government, where the LDK was offered only three ministries and the deputy prime minister position. We rejected such a submission,” Abdixhiku said.
He claimed that after the LDK rejected those terms, LVV launched what he described as a public campaign against his party.
“Coalitions are built on trust,” Abdixhiku said.
Following the parliamentary group meeting, the LDK leader confirmed that the party would abandon all demands for government participation and withdraw its request for the presidency.
“The LDK withdraws from every demand for participation in government and we are giving up our request for the presidency. LVV will not have the LDK as decoration. The LDK will remain in opposition,” Abdixhiku declared.
The decision marks a significant shift in the ongoing efforts to establish Kosovo’s institutions and form a government, as political parties continue negotiations over the distribution of institutional positions.
Abdixhiku’s announcement also makes clear that the LDK does not intend to enter a governing arrangement with LVV under the terms that had been discussed.
