Prishtina, July 22, 2025 – KosovaPress
Negotiations between Vetëvendosje (LVV) and the Social Democratic Initiative (Nisma) over a potential governing coalition have entered a decisive stage, with only days remaining before the Constitutional Court’s deadline to constitute the new Assembly of Kosovo on July 26.
Sources from both parties confirm that positions are gradually aligning, but a key issue remains unresolved: the post of Speaker of the Assembly. Nisma continues to insist that this position should go to its leader, Fatmir Limaj, while LVV – backed by its allies GUXO and Alternativa – maintains its own nominee, Albulena Haxhiu, arguing it lacks the internal support to endorse Limaj.
Coalition Offer and the Search for a Majority
Acting Prime Minister and LVV leader Albin Kurti submitted a formal coalition offer to Fatmir Limaj last week. However, Limaj has previously made clear that he is not seeking a role in the executive, but is only interested in presiding over the Assembly.
LVV parliamentary group leader Mimoza Kusari-Lila reaffirmed that her party is open to compromise, yet emphasized that LVV will not support Limaj for Assembly Speaker. She also indicated that ministerial positions remain open to negotiation, should a broader political agreement be reached.
Currently, the LVV–GUXO–Alternativa bloc controls 57 seats, and would reach 60 with Nisma’s three deputies—one short of the 61 votes required to elect the Assembly Speaker and form a new government. Party insiders remain optimistic that the crucial 61st vote will be secured, though they have not disclosed from whom it may come.
Matoshi: “No Formal Demands – But Limaj as Speaker Is Non-Negotiable”
Fatmir Matoshi, a senior official in Nisma’s leadership, confirmed that the party has made no official demands, but reiterated that Fatmir Limaj must be elected Assembly Speaker as part of any deal. He also stated that LVV must first secure 58 deputies before Nisma’s votes can be considered decisive.
Matoshi hinted at the possibility of drawing additional support from non-Serb minority MPs, such as Duda Balje and Veton Berisha, though both have previously shown reluctance to align with LVV.
Constitutional Deadline Looms
The Constitutional Court has set July 26 as the final deadline for the new legislature to be convened, following the February 9 elections. However, it has not specified any legal consequences should the deadline be missed.
The next session for constituting the 9th legislature is scheduled for tomorrow—the 51st attempt since the elections—with no clear indication yet of a breakthrough.
As Kurti and Limaj prepare for what may be the final round of negotiations, the coming days will determine whether Kosovo sees the formation of a government or plunges further into institutional gridlock.
