Constitutional Court decision leaves Kosovo’s institutions in limbo

Kosovo’s political confrontation has now shifted to the Constitutional Court, where two complaints filed by the Democratic Party of Kosovo are being reviewed. They challenge the manner in which the Assembly was constituted and the vote on the Government, which the opposition claims were accompanied by procedural violations. Vetëvendosje, meanwhile, considers both processes completed and legitimate.

As the judges’ verdict is awaited, experts on political affairs are calling on the parties to show unity and avoid clashes over the Constitution, the country’s highest legal act. According to them, the state interest should prevail over party calculations, particularly at a time when Kosovo is also facing important developments related to the Specialist Chambers proceedings in The Hague.

“We want to believe that the Constitutional Court will make a decision as soon as possible that will, in a way, put Kosovo’s politics back on track, and that Kosovo’s political representatives—in this case, the Assembly of Kosovo and the parties in the Assembly—will understand that the strategic interest of the Republic of Kosovo in having functioning institutions is more important than daily political games, with the violation of the Constitution and decisions of the Constitutional Court having now become a sport,” said Ehat Miftaraj of IKD.

The PDK’s complaints have revived political uncertainty in the country, as the outcome of their review could directly affect the future of the new institutions. While the authorities are defending the validity of the constitution of the Assembly and the formation of the Government, the opposition is seeking to have these processes overturned through legal procedures.

Calls for political cooperation have increased following the September 16 decision by the Specialist Chambers in The Hague concerning four former KLA leaders. Analysts say this development should serve as an incentive to ease tensions and build a common position in the face of national challenges.

“These things should have been considered before September 16; we should have had unity and a coalition government, knowing what situation Kosovo is going through. Everyone should have given some ground—the winners and the losers alike. There should perhaps have been a transitional, possibly two-year government, and through the institutions we should have issued an official response,” said analyst Sadik Zeqiri.

Until the judgment is published, Kosovo’s entire political scene remains in limbo. The parties continue to hold opposing positions, while the Constitutional Court’s decision is expected to determine the further direction of the institutions and political developments in Kosovo.