The Constitutional Court has published the main part of its new judgment regarding the constitutive session of the Assembly, rejecting Vetëvendosje’s requests for a secret ballot in the election of the Speaker of Parliament.
The ruling also includes three orders addressed to the session chairperson and the newly elected members of the Assembly.
In its decision, the Court dismissed Vetëvendosje’s two demands — for a secret vote and for unlimited resubmission of the same candidate for Speaker by the same MP.
In the statement issued on Friday, the Court laid out three clear orders:
To the session chairperson: restore the open voting procedure.
To all MPs: be present and vote during the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speakers.
To all legislators: within 30 days of the decision taking effect, elect the Speaker and Deputy Speakers of the Assembly, thereby constituting the new legislature.
The Court emphasized that lawmakers had failed to comply with its previous ruling, making it impossible to complete the process.
Political Reactions
The leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), Memli Krasniqi, described the decision as proof of PDK’s stance that Vetëvendosje deliberately held Parliament hostage for narrow political interests.
“This is a full confirmation that the blockade, violations, and arbitrary actions of Vetëvendosje were not only unconstitutional but deeply harmful to our democracy and our state. For six months, citizens were denied representation, institutions were blocked, and the country was forced into stagnation,” said Krasniqi.
The leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), Lumir Abdixhiku, hailed the decision as a victory for democracy.
“The secret vote is rejected. Declared unconstitutional! You are ordered to enable democracy in the free Republic of Kosovo. Unfortunately, Kosovo has lost time — today marks exactly 180 days since the elections. Half a year wasted by those who impose as a value, disdain as a method, and ignorance of reading the Constitution and its rulings as a source of pride,” Abdixhiku wrote.
Vetëvendosje, in an afternoon statement, harshly criticized the Court, accusing it of violating the Constitution and arbitrarily inventing new rules.
International Reactions
The European Union Office in Kosovo called on political parties to respect the Court’s ruling and work to overcome the institutional deadlock. In a Facebook statement, the EU stressed the importance of compromise and moving forward with institutional formation.
“The Constitutional Court has spoken and provided important clarifications. The EU urges all political parties represented in the Assembly of Kosovo to adhere to this ruling and find the necessary compromise and majority to swiftly proceed with the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speakers. There is no more time to waste in a political stalemate!” the statement read.
The German Embassy in Kosovo also urged for a solution within the legal deadlines and for political cooperation.
“We welcome that the Constitutional Court has issued a procedural decision. Now politicians must act accordingly so that Kosovars can finally have the Parliament they voted for six months ago. We expect a feasible solution within the deadline and urge all political actors to work towards compromise,” the Embassy told RTK.
Until the decision is published in the Official Gazette, a temporary measure will remain in force preventing MPs from taking decisions on constituting the Assembly. Once published, lawmakers will have 30 days to complete the constitutive session.
However, the Constitutional Court did not specify the constitutional consequences if the Assembly is not constituted within this timeframe.
