LIVE: LDK Drops Presidency Bid, Abdixhiku Confirms Move into Opposition

13.08.2026 – 17:43

Following a meeting of the parliamentary group, Democratic League of Kosovo leader Lumir Abdixhiku announced that the LDK would no longer seek participation in the government and had also withdrawn its claim to the presidency.

He explained that the demand for the presidency had been intended to create a balance among the country’s institutions.

According to Abdixhiku, the Vetëvendosje Movement had reserved a role for the LDK that he considered merely “decorative,” offering it three ministries and the post of deputy prime minister.

Abdixhiku said Vetëvendosje wanted the LDK to play a decorative role in the government cabinet, with only three ministries and one deputy prime minister, but his party refused to submit to those conditions.

He claimed that after the LDK rejected the offer, the LVV launched a public confrontation against it.

The LDK leader stressed that trust is the foundation on which coalitions should be built.

In closing, Abdixhiku confirmed that the LDK was withdrawing all its demands for participation in the executive, including its demand for the presidency. He added that the LVV would not use the LDK as decoration and that the party would remain in opposition.

13.08.2026 – 17:40

By: A.M.

Lumir Abdixhiku also said the LDK had sought more equal representation, proportionate to its political weight, in a joint government. According to him, the offer of three ministries and the post of deputy prime minister could not be accepted.

He said the LDK had sought concrete responsibilities and clearly defined powers within the government so that the institutions could function democratically and sustainably.

Abdixhiku argued that a governing parliamentary group with 48 MPs should have representation in line with the election result and Kosovo’s needs. He described the offer of only three ministries and one deputy prime minister as disproportionate.

According to him, the LDK’s demand included three ministries, six deputy ministers, the post of deputy prime minister and a stronger role in the executive structure.

He said the party wanted to be a more active and responsible force so that it would have the opportunity to move the country forward.

Abdixhiku said that this was precisely why the LDK had rejected the proposal that gave Vetëvendosje only three ministries and the position of deputy prime minister, while leaving the post of prime minister to the other party.

According to him, this offer ultimately determined the course of the negotiations. Abdixhiku said the proposal of three ministries and the deputy prime minister’s post for the Vetëvendosje Movement, while the prime minister’s post went to the other party, was unacceptable and had, in fact, settled the battle.