Reiner Rudolph, Germany’s ambassador to Kosovo, has called for the country’s new institutions to be formed as soon as possible. He considers this step crucial for political stability, the proper functioning of the state and progress on important institutional processes.
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During an interview, Rudolph said Kosovo needs to send a clear and convincing signal about who will lead the country for the next four-year term. According to him, resolving the political situation and establishing legitimate institutions are essential to strengthening the confidence of citizens, international partners and investors in Kosovo’s stability.
“At this moment, I believe Kosovo must send a signal about who will form the institutions for the next four years. I am aware that discussions are continuing and the process is still underway, but it would be very good for the institutions to be formed very soon and for the country not to enter another period of uncertainty,” the German ambassador said.
He noted that talks on forming the institutions are continuing, but called for the process to be completed without further delay. Rudolph warned that prolonging it could create unnecessary political uncertainty and slow decision-making on issues of major national importance.
According to the ambassador, swiftly completing this process would allow Kosovo to focus on its main priorities, including reforms, economic development and cooperation with international partners. He reiterated that institutional stability is an important prerequisite for the country’s progress and for effectively addressing the challenges it will face in the years ahead.
Zogaj: Germany Has Long Been Warning Kosovo to Overcome the Institutional Deadlock
Commentator Skënder Zogaj spoke to “Bota sot” about the issue.
According to him, the failure to form institutions is causing serious damage to the state of Kosovo, jeopardizing relations with strategic allies and hindering the integration process. For this reason, he called on the political class to take action without wasting any more time.
“German Ambassador Rudolph’s statement on the need for Kosovo’s new institutions to become operational as soon as possible must be treated as a serious warning. This is not merely routine diplomatic advice, but a clear message that delays in establishing the institutions are seriously harming the state of Kosovo.
“It is incomprehensible for a country facing major challenges to continue without functioning institutions. Kosovo has never had the luxury of remaining in such a situation, even for a single day, let alone for months. The country currently faces risks on several fronts, while the greatest concern is the cooling of relations with its strategic allies, whose contribution was decisive for Kosovo’s liberation and freedom. The responsibility for building and consolidating the state lies with Kosovars themselves, while every delay in democratic processes and European integration weakens the country’s position on the international stage. Without functioning institutions, Kosovo cannot be fully incorporated into the strategic architecture of regional and European security,” Zogaj said.
He added that the repeated appeals from international partners, particularly Germany, for institutions to be established swiftly must not be ignored. According to the commentator, every day of delay weakens Kosovo’s international position and makes its path toward Euro-Atlantic integration more difficult.
“For this reason, diplomats from friendly countries continue to repeat the same demand: Kosovo must form its institutions without wasting time. Every day that passes without a solution brings political, diplomatic and strategic consequences.
“Germany has long been warning Kosovo to break out of this institutional deadlock. Ignoring these messages would be unforgivable. Time is not on Kosovo’s side, and every delay makes it more difficult to restore trust and accelerate the path toward Euro-Atlantic integration,” Skënder Zogaj told “Bota sot.”
Gashi: Kosovo Must Finally Roll Up Its Sleeves and Build Stable Institutions
Political affairs expert Eduard Gashi, speaking to “Bota sot,” said the German ambassador’s message should be understood as a serious diplomatic signal. He said the institutional deadlock is weakening Kosovo’s international position while political actors are placing party interests ahead of those of the state.
“The esteemed German ambassador has every reason to view developments in Kosovo with concern. His words represent not only an appeal to establish the institutions, but also convey a diplomatic signal. In diplomacy, especially when the message comes from a country such as Germany, every word is chosen carefully and nothing is said by chance.
“The continuing institutional deadlock is seriously damaging Kosovo’s relations with its international partners. Kosovo has embassies and consulates in many countries around the world where important diplomatic work is carried out and ties with friendly nations are built. However, this activity must be continued and finalized by legitimate and functioning institutions in Pristina. When these institutions do not function, even the highest-quality diplomacy loses its impact.
“Unfortunately, many political actors today are more concerned with preserving or expanding their personal power than with the interests of the state. They forget that politics was not created to serve political parties, but to move the state forward and improve citizens’ lives,” Gashi said.
The political expert went on to argue that the prolonged deadlock is undermining Kosovo’s credibility and international influence precisely at a time when Western partners are seeking functioning states. According to him, the situation risks bringing political and economic consequences, as well as harming the European integration process.
“Kosovo today finds itself in geopolitical circumstances entirely different from those of the first years after the declaration of independence. Europe is undergoing major transformations in the field of security, while Western partners are seeking countries that are functional, predictable and reliable. No one expects perfection, but institutions are expected to make decisions and implement policies.
“There is no doubt that this prolonged period of institutional deadlock will have consequences. No state can indefinitely endure the lack of normal institutional functioning. This is not a party issue, but one concerning the political maturity of the state. In international relations, excuses and mutual accusations carry no weight; what is measured are results. Excuses may buy time, but trust is built only through results.
“For this reason, Kosovo risks losing its international credibility and political weight. Trust is capital in diplomacy. When a state fails to make strategic decisions for a prolonged period, it begins to be perceived no longer as part of the solution, but as part of the problem.
“The comparison with the past is the most painful part. Kosovo’s leaders were once welcomed at the White House, held meetings at the highest levels in European capitals, and the country ranked among the priorities of Western policy. Today, symbolic photographs and handshakes predominate, while Kosovo’s real political influence on the international stage has diminished significantly.
“Kosovo will pay for this politically and economically, as well as on its path toward European integration. No populist rhetoric can change this reality,” Gashi explained.
In conclusion, he emphasized that the responsibility for building functioning institutions through dialogue and compromise lies with all political forces. According to him, only by being stable, serious and reliable can Kosovo retain the support of its allies and strengthen its international position.
“Nor is it enough merely to call for the will of the citizens to be respected. Democracy is not limited solely to winning elections. It also includes the ability to establish functioning institutions, reach compromises and assume responsibilities of state. Democratic mechanisms were created to ensure institutional stability, not to produce endless deadlocks.
“All political entities bear responsibility. The winning party has a stronger democratic mandate, but precisely for this reason it also bears the greatest burden. A genuine leader is judged not by ideological persistence, but by the ability to secure a majority, build bridges of cooperation and produce solutions. At the same time, the opposition also has obligations toward the state and must not allow political disagreements to turn into institutional paralysis.
“Kosovo must not harbor the illusion that support from its allies will be guaranteed forever. Friendships in international relations are based on shared values, but also on common interests. Support is not a blank check; it must be continually earned through stability, seriousness and reliability.
“Consequently, Kosovo must finally roll up its sleeves, build stable institutions, ensure that they function, and move forward through concrete work and results. In a rapidly changing world, a state that does not move forward does not remain in the same place, but falls behind. Kosovo can regain its international weight and the respect of its strategic partners only if it proves itself to be a functioning, serious and reliable state,” political affairs expert Eduard Gashi concluded for “Bota sot.”
