PDK and AAK again block entrance to government building: Kosovo’s institutions remain paralyzed

The Democratic Party of Kosovo and the Alliance again staged their protest outside the Kosovo government building today, blocking access to the premises, KosovaPress reports.

The protest, which has continued for four weeks, was attended by PDK Pristina municipal assembly member Yll Muriqi and activists from the party. Muriqi said Kosovo was facing institutional paralysis and called on acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti to enable the constitution of the Assembly and the establishment of institutions.

According to him, citizens are facing growing difficulties while institutions remain deadlocked. He accused Kurti of failing to govern and said the country was being held hostage by his actions.

PDK MP Artan Behrami said the purpose of the protest was to make it clear to citizens that the government was keeping Kosovo in crisis. He described the situation as a deep constitutional, political and economic crisis, as well as a crisis in relations with allies.

Behrami also raised questions about the use of the €4 billion budget, noting that it was already September and that, according to him, no projects had been implemented in healthcare, infrastructure or education. He called for a return to the Assembly, the constitution of the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo, and action to address domestic and external challenges.

Alliance MP Time Kadrijaj also described the situation as a total blockade. She cited difficulties in securing school textbooks, problems that she said had been caused by the Ministry of Education, and the fact that the school year had begun with shortages in schools.

Kadrijaj also spoke about shortages of medicines in oncology and other sectors, forcing patients to buy expensive medication themselves. She added that the Ministry of Health had not opened a recruitment process for medical residents for years, despite their efforts to advance in their respective fields.

According to the Alliance MP, acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti bears responsibility for the situation. She said the protest was intended to break the deadlock, which she described as having been deliberately caused by Kurti.

MPs from the PDK and the Alliance have been staging the protest for four weeks, demanding the constitution of the Assembly and the formation of Kosovo’s institutions.