French Ambassador Calls on Kosovo Parties to Break Political Deadlock

France’s diplomatic mission in Pristina hosted a reception on Tuesday to mark France’s National Day.

In his address at the event, Ambassador Olivier Guérot said he hoped the evening would be capped by a victory for the French team over Spain in the World Cup football semi-final, but also delivered a clear message to the local political class regarding the swift formation of institutions.

Guérot said that while preparing his speech, he had to revisit last year’s address, where he found a paragraph that, unfortunately, remains just as necessary today. He reiterated that Kosovo’s international allies, including official Paris, need stable counterparts to advance agreements and accompany the country on its path towards European integration.

“I call on all political leaders in this country, without distinction, regardless of the political force or community to which they belong, to find their own path to compromise and a way out of this state of deadlock, with which no citizen is satisfied,” the French ambassador declared. He added that this appeal for the inclusive functioning of institutions, after one year and two electoral cycles, remains more relevant than ever.

Continuing his speech, the diplomat announced that a senior representative of the French government will soon visit Pristina, a trip which, he said, will mark the beginning of a new and significant phase for Kosovo’s economic development, in which France aims to play a prominent role.

Addressing the acting prime minister, the ambassador recalled the previous reception at the Élysée Palace and confirmed that teams are working to finalise the visit. He also stressed that France in Kosovo, as in every corner of the world, represents a committed, determined, reliable and supportive ally, bringing with it the same principles of international law and multilateralism that it defends everywhere.

For his part, acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti praised France’s multidimensional contribution, stressing that it has shaped the world through literature, philosophy, science and art, as much as through politics and diplomacy. He said this influence is also tangible for Kosovo.

Kurti recalled that the Republic of Kosovo, born out of a war for freedom and justice, has embraced democracy and the rule of law not as empty expressions, but as the fundamental pillars of state-building. He described France as a friend and partner at key moments in history, from standing by the people during the conflict, to recognising independence the day after it was declared, and through to its continued support for strengthening democracy.

According to him, the partnership between the two countries has become increasingly essential, taking shape in concrete political, institutional, cultural and educational cooperation. The acting prime minister concluded by stressing that the path towards the European Union remains a conscious democratic choice and a necessary institutional discipline to take Kosovo’s natural place among the nations of the continent.