Kurti and Abdixhiku Meet to Discuss the Presidency, Parties Seek Consensus

The meeting between Albin Kurti, leader of the Vetëvendosje Movement, and Lumir Abdixhiku, leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo, has begun at the Kosovo Assembly.

The August 26 meeting is taking place as part of efforts to find a solution for the election of the President of Kosovo. The focus is expected to be on the proposals of both sides and the specific names of candidates for the post.

Before the meeting, Albin Kurti said that efforts were being made to avoid elections. He also said that the potential names for president would be kept confidential until an agreement was reached.

“We are continuing the meetings, and in order to avoid elections until we reach an agreement, we need to maintain confidentiality. I always expect the best. Therefore, I am going to today’s meeting in good faith,” Kurti said.

Former President Vjosa Osmani and LDK deputy leader Lutfi Haziri also went to the meeting with Kurti, together with Lumir Abdixhiku. The meeting had been announced to begin at 18:00.

Abdixhiku did not make a statement to the media after arriving and did not reveal which name might be proposed for president. Asked by reporters, Vjosa Osmani briefly replied that they would speak after the meeting ended.

Today’s meeting follows the one held on the afternoon of August 18. After the previous discussion, Kurti and Abdixhiku had announced that they would discuss specific candidacies at the next meeting.

Contacts between the two leaders have increased in recent days, while political parties are seeking an agreement that would enable the election of the President and avert a further political deadlock or a new institutional crisis.

It remains to be seen whether the meeting will bring the sides closer together and lead to agreement on the next steps regarding the election of the head of state.