Kosovo President grapples with declining trust at home and abroad amid controversial remarks

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani faces mounting political challenges as some of her recent statements have drawn criticism both domestically and internationally, undermining her credibility and isolating her from key allies. Her attempt to bolster her image through international engagements, particularly in the United States, has backfired, exposing inconsistencies in her narrative and highlighting institutional tensions at home.

During a recent visit to the United States, Osmani claimed that U.S. President Donald Trump had “prevented a Serbian attack on Kosovo in late May.” This assertion, intended to project her as a key interlocutor with the U.S. administration, was met with scepticism and swift refutation.

Did Trump recently prevent a Serbia-Kosovo war? Or did Kosovo’s President make a blunder?

Kosovo’s security services and the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) contradicted her claims. Richard Grenell, the former U.S. Presidential Envoy for Special Missions, publicly criticised on 13 July Osmani for manipulating statements made by Trump regarding Kosovo-Serbia relations.

These rebuttals not only discredited Osmani’s narrative but also exposed her attempt to leverage unverified claims for political gain, raising questions about her international credibility.

Did Trump recently prevent a Serbia-Kosovo war? Or did Kosovo’s President make a blunder?

Defending her narrative

In a 17 July press conference, Osmani addressed criticism that she failed to inform the public about alleged Serbian threats. She insisted that Kosovo’s citizens had been kept informed about Serbia’s “ongoing destabilising tendencies” through multiple statements from her office and other institutions.

Osmani said: “For those who claim citizens were not informed, this issue has been addressed in dozens of press releases. However, much of this information is classified, and the law prohibits sharing it in detail.”

Such defence, however, has done little to quell criticism. Political commentator Ilir Deda questioned the government’s preparedness, asking whether security council meetings or discussions with NATO and regional leaders had taken place to address the alleged threats. He warned of the risks posed by Kosovo’s institutional paralysis, stating: “Would we all wake up one morning – without an Assembly and without a Government – finding out that the situation with Serbia had ‘flared up’?”

Deda obviously refered to the political paralysis, as Kosovo’s parliament has failed to elect a speaker in 50 consecutive attempts and counting, deepening the political crisis and stalling government formation since the February 2025 elections.

Kosovo in constitutional crisis after 43 failed attempts to elect a Parliament Speaker

Domestic fallout and institutional friction

Osmani’s challenges extend beyond the international stage. Domestically, her relationship with former ally Donika Gërvalla, Kosovo’s Foreign Minister, has deteriorated.

Gërvalla, who co-founded the Guxo movement with Osmani after their departure from the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), appears to be distancing herself. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reportedly requested detailed expense reports from Kosovo’s diplomatic missions for Osmani’s foreign trips, including trivial items like the number of water bottles consumed.

The President’s office described these requests as an “unprecedented political war,” arguing that they undermine institutional independence and obstruct Osmani’s constitutional duties. The statement read: “It is shameful for embassies to be asked for details such as the number of water bottles or the fuel used to transport the President to official meetings.”

This public spat highlights a growing rift within Kosovo’s political elite, further isolating Osmani at a time when institutional stability is fragile.

Political analysts in Pristina argue that Osmani has prioritised international posturing over addressing pressing domestic issues, such as the stalled formation of a new government. Marko Miškeljin, a fellow at the Center for Social Stability, suggested that Osmani’s U.S. visit was less about strengthening bilateral ties and more about building domestic political capital ahead of potential elections. He stated: “Vjosa Osmani sought to boost her personal image by portraying a close relationship with the new U.S. administration, in anticipation of possible elections.”

A fragile political landscape

Elected as an ally of Prime Minister Albin Kurti and his Vetëvendosje (LVV) movement, Osmani now navigates a precarious political landscape marked by fragile institutional balances and a stalled parliamentary process. Analysts say that without a clear strategy to mend alliances and focus on governance, Osmani risks further isolation on both the domestic and international stages.

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Caption: Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani at a press conference on 17 July, Office of the President of Kosovo