The Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) will hold its electoral convention at 16:30, where a new party leader will be chosen.
On November 12, during a press conference, Memli Krasniqi announced his resignation as party leader.
“After much reflection, the time has come, and I have decided to resign from the position of party chairman. This decision is not only based on recent developments but reflects my long-term consideration of what the party needs in its next phase,” Krasniqi said.
When asked about his preferred successor, Krasniqi stated:
“My preference for Bedri Hamza is clear, and I am happy to make it public,” he said.
The following day, via Facebook, Bedri Hamza officially announced his candidacy for PDK leader.
“Today, with responsibility and confidence in the future of our party, I am declaring my candidacy for PDK Chairman. I believe PDK has the strength to unify, reform, and reclaim its position as the leading party in the country. From the struggle for freedom to state-building, democratization, and integration, PDK has left an indelible mark on Kosovo’s history. With deep gratitude to our founders, Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, and Jakup Krasniqi, whom I hope will soon be among us, I commit to a PDK that preserves values and creates opportunities for the next generations. Special thanks to my two friends, Enver Hoxhaj and Memli Krasniqi, for their dignified leadership during challenging times,” Hamza wrote.
However, Enver Hoxhaj has requested that the convention originally scheduled for November 17 be postponed. In an interview on Rubikon, he confirmed his candidacy but tied it to a delay in the convention:
“This upcoming convention is not just about me competing for the chair. I am asking the PDK Presidency to give me the right to earn the trust of the delegates, allowing for a proper political process, with one more week for debate and presentation of platforms,” Hoxhaj said.
On Facebook, he added:
“The PDK convention to elect the party leader should be postponed. A serious party cannot hold a political and substantive convention in such a short time. I ask the PDK Presidency to postpone the convention at least until next Sunday, so that members and delegates can familiarize themselves with the candidates and their platforms, improving the quality of candidacies and competition between platforms, especially given the recent unexpected developments.”
Hoxhaj also invited Hamza for a televised debate.
For context, Memli Krasniqi has been part of PDK for nearly two decades, initially as leader of the party youth wing, then as party vice-president, before being elected party chairman in 2021.
