Kosovo’s political stalemate persists: assembly formation fails for 18th time

Pristina remains mired in political gridlock as Kosovo’s new Assembly failed to convene for the 18th consecutive time on 20 May, deepening the country’s institutional crisis.

The Vetëvendosje Movement (LVV), the largest force with 48 seats in the 120-seat Assembly, proposed establishing a committee to conduct a secret ballot for electing the parliament’s presidency. However, the proposal garnered only 52 votes, falling short of the 61 required for a majority, leading to yet another inconclusive session. A new attempt is scheduled for Wednesday, 21 May.

The deadlock stems from the 9 February parliamentary elections, which produced a fragmented political landscape. LVV emerged as the leading party with 48 seats, followed by the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) with 24, the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) with 20, the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) and Nisma coalition with 8, and the Serbian List with 9. The PFS party secured 1 seat, while 10 seats are held by representatives of non-Serb minority communities. Since 15 April, efforts to form a functioning Assembly have repeatedly stalled, exacerbating public frustration and raising concerns about governance.

LVV’s proposal and fpposition pushback

LVV MP Dimal Basha defended his party’s push for a secret ballot, arguing that it reflects a constructive approach to breaking the impasse. He accused opposition parties of obstructing the process and dismissed calls for early elections, insisting that LVV remains committed to forming institutions. However, the party’s insistence on nominating Albulena Haxhiu for the Assembly presidency has become a focal point of contention.

Opposition leaders have sharply criticized LVV’s strategy. LDK leader Lumir Abdixhiku described the ongoing stalemate as “deeply worrying,” accusing LVV of lacking the urgency and political will to establish functional institutions.

“Kosovo needs action, not delays and experimental tactics,” he stated, pointing to what he called a “problematic political ethos” within the ruling party.

AAK Central Committee head Time Kadrijaj took a more caustic tone, mocking LVV’s repeated nomination of Haxhiu. “She deserves a Nobel Prize for successive failures,” Kadrijaj quipped, announcing plans to challenge the legitimacy of the proposed secret ballot committee before the Constitutional Court. She argued that the process undermines democratic norms and called for a more inclusive approach.

PDK leader Memli Krasniqi echoed these criticisms, accusing LVV of intransigence and asserting that the crisis could be resolved within 24 hours if Haxhiu’s candidacy were withdrawn. “Kosovo cannot be held hostage to a single name,” he said, emphasizing that the Assembly and government could be formed swiftly with broader consensus. While expressing readiness for new elections, Krasniqi stressed the need for a political agreement rather than unilateral decisions.

A deepening crisis

The repeated failure to convene the Assembly has intensified Kosovo’s political uncertainty, with analysts warning of deepening institutional dysfunction. According to a Balkan Insight report from 20 May, the ongoing deadlock risks undermining public trust in Kosovo’s democratic processes, particularly as the country faces pressing economic and security challenges. The report noted growing calls for dialogue among political leaders to forge a compromise, potentially through a new candidate for the Assembly presidency or a revised coalition framework.

Kosovo’s strategic position as a Western Balkan nation seeking EU integration adds urgency to resolving the crisis. A Reuters analysis highlighted that prolonged instability could weaken Kosovo’s negotiating stance in ongoing EU-mediated talks with Serbia, especially amid heightened regional tensions due to the Russia-Ukraine war. The lack of a functioning Assembly also hampers the government’s ability to address economic stagnation and implement reforms critical to EU accession.

Paths Forward

The current impasse underscores the need for a broader political consensus. Observers suggest that LVV may need to reconsider its strategy, potentially by withdrawing Haxhiu’s candidacy or engaging in more substantive negotiations with opposition parties. Alternatively, a power-sharing agreement or a neutral candidate for the presidency could break the deadlock. However, with LVV firmly opposed to early elections and opposition parties equally resolute, the path to a resolution remains unclear.

As Kosovo braces for another attempt to form the Assembly on 21 May, the pressure is mounting on political leaders to prioritize national stability over partisan interests. Without a breakthrough, the spectre of prolonged paralysis looms large, threatening Kosovo’s democratic institutions and regional standing.

Additional sources: Balkan Insight, Reuters

Caption: Incumbent Prime Minister and leader of ‘Vetevendosje’ party, Albin Kurti, talks to the media after casting his ballot for the parliamentary elections in Pristina, Kosovo, 9 February 2025. [EPA-EFE/GEORGI LICOVSKI]