German Ambassador to Kosovo, Jorn Rohde, has issued a clear message to Kosovo’s political party leaders, urging them to act swiftly to resolve the ongoing institutional deadlock. Rohde emphasized that the responsibility to exit this situation lies directly with politicians, not the Constitutional Court.
Rohde expressed concern over the protracted blockage and its negative impact on Kosovo’s international reputation. He echoed the recent call for compromise made by the French Ambassador, warning that if the Assembly is not constituted soon, Kosovo’s relevance risks diminishing.
Politicians Must Step Up, Not Rely on Courts
“I am not in a position to evaluate the decisions of the Constitutional Court. The Constitutional Court has clearly said that it is up to the politicians to solve the problem,” Rohde told RTV Dukagjini. “It seems to me that on the political side, they hope that the big referee will be found in the courts, but the Constitutional Court cannot do the work of politicians.”
He stressed the urgency: “The solution must be found quickly, otherwise, you know, when my French colleague had his national day, he also called for a compromise to resolve this political deadlock. If nothing happens, Kosovo is losing the boat, because Kosovo’s relevance will fade. If you don’t have a decision-making government, how can you be important? The situation is worrying… I hope that soon Kosovo will give us good news and not as it has been so far.”
Rohde lamented the lack of initiative: “It seems to me that no one so far is trying to take a step forward, for the country, for the population, but also for the international reputation. Kosovo must move forward.”
“Circus” with Serious Economic Consequences
The German Ambassador described the current situation as a “circus” with serious economic consequences for citizens. “I can describe it in one word, or as parliamentarians called it today: this is a circus, a political deadlock. Unfortunately, we don’t have international agreements signed. We don’t have capital expenditures being spent, tenders are blocked, and this has economic consequences for the population as well,” Rohde stated.
He highlighted his meetings with all political leaders: “Now we are on the 47th attempt to establish the Assembly and the Government. I have spoken with all political leaders, last week and yesterday, and unfortunately, everyone is speaking ‘badly’ about each other. And I think this is very unfortunate, that we have this political crisis and this political deadlock.”
Today marked the 47th failed attempt to constitute the Assembly. While the Constitutional Court’s judgment sets July 26 as the deadline for the Assembly’s constitution, there remains uncertainty regarding the legal consequences if this deadline is not met.
