Haxhiu: Cooperation with the PDK, yes; governing coalition, no

Kosovo Assembly Speaker Albulena Haxhiu said on the “Debat Plus” program that she does not consider a coalition with the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) necessary. The parties can cooperate on specific issues, she said, but not as part of a joint government.

Haxhiu said a unified position following the September 16 decision could be reached without a coalition agreement between the parties.

“We do not need a joint coalition to have a unified position on September 16. We need joint action, unity on each step ahead of us, and contributions from each side,” she said.

She clarified that her position against seeing the PDK as a governing partner was her personal view.

“But I do not see a coalition with the PDK as necessary, not during this period. This is related to the decision, but also to our position toward the PDK. We can cooperate in opposing the September 16 decision, which was unjust. However, I do not see them as a governing partner. This is my personal position,” the Assembly speaker said.

During the interview, Haxhiu also discussed the selection of a president, reiterating that the head of state should not belong to a political party.

“So, let me return to my position: the president should not be a member of a political party. Even in the situation we are in, that would be the best option,” she said.

She said several possible candidates had been considered in discussions, including people who have contributed to society and to the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo.

“We had several alternatives—people who have contributed in various ways to our society and to the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo. Insisting that we have a candidate from their ranks is wrong,” Haxhiu said.

She also recalled Glauk Konjufca, who was then serving as Assembly Speaker, and said the parties had been asked to propose candidates for the presidency.

“Glauk Konjufca said: ‘You from the LDK and PDK propose names; we will discuss and assess them, then get back to you.’ No such names were proposed,” Haxhiu said.

Haxhiu added that if candidates were to be assessed on the basis of the support they had received in elections, Glauk Konjufca’s result should also be taken into account.

“If we are considering people who have been tested in elections, then Glauk Konjufca has more than 200,000 votes—I’m not sure of the exact figure. If we are considering party-affiliated people, then where does that leave Glauk Konjufca?” she concluded.