Kosovo’s two main political parties involved in efforts to resolve the country’s political deadlock have yet to begin internal consultations on potential candidates for president, despite agreeing to return to their respective party structures following their latest leadership meeting.
The issue of the next president remained unresolved after Tuesday’s meeting between Vetëvendosje leader Albin Kurti and LDK leader Lumir Abdixhiku. However, after four rounds of talks, the two sides agreed to consult internally on possible candidates and the criteria for a future president.
One day later, there were no signs that the consultations had formally begun.
LDK lawmaker Anton Quni said his party had not yet called a meeting to discuss specific candidates.
“I have been out dealing with other issues. We have not yet received an invitation for a meeting. I believe the chairman has this in consideration and that we will discuss the issue very soon,” Quni said.
He also confirmed that no specific names had been discussed during previous party meetings.
“No, we have not discussed specific names. We have discussed procedures and other issues,” Quni said.
Dukagjini Television also sought confirmation from Vetëvendosje on whether internal consultations had started, but the party did not provide an official response.
No Vetëvendosje lawmakers were seen at the party headquarters during the day, while several MPs were also unavailable by phone.
Meanwhile, political analysts say that reaching an agreement ultimately depends on the willingness of the two sides, particularly Kurti, to make political compromises.
Analyst Fitim Mulolli argued that the main obstacle is what he described as the acting prime minister’s unwillingness to compromise with the opposition.
“One day we have a positive, hopeful statement, and the next day we have a harsh statement attacking the opposition. Kurti is not willing to make even a millimeter of compromise with the opposition,” Mulolli said.
He pointed to previous political arrangements in Kosovo in which parties made significant concessions to secure institutional stability, including agreements involving the LDK and PDK.
At their latest meeting, Kurti and Abdixhiku said they discussed the profile and criteria that a presidential candidate should meet, but no candidate has been publicly proposed.
By Wednesday afternoon, the parties had also failed to announce a date for a fifth meeting between the two leaders, as efforts continue to find a solution to the ongoing political deadlock.
