Përparim Rama enters the race to lead the LDK as clash over the party’s future intensifies

Pristina Mayor Përparim Rama has announced that he will run for the post of chairman of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) in the party’s internal elections, which are expected to take place next year.

Rama aims to take over the leadership of the LDK and has simultaneously called on current chairman Lumir Abdixhiku to step down.

The upcoming internal electoral process within the LDK is expected to be decisive in determining the party’s political orientation and leadership structure. The contest for the top post could mark the beginning of a new phase, in which the performance of the current leadership and the need to strengthen the party’s organization are expected to be discussed.

Rama’s call for Abdixhiku’s resignation has placed the party leadership at the center of the internal debate. It remains unclear how the race will proceed and whether other names will join Rama’s candidacy.

The internal elections will determine not only Abdixhiku’s successor at the head of the LDK, but also the political direction the party will pursue in the coming period.

Lama: As a state-building party, the LDK needs a strong return to its roots, not experiments with its program and leadership

Former LDK MP Alma Lama told “Bota sot” that the party needs to find new leadership capable of uniting its structures.

She sees Përparim Rama as a serious candidate who, in her view, could lead the LDK out of its series of defeats and return it to the contest for power.

“According to the information I have, the LDK is expected to hold its internal elections next year, in accordance with its calendar. The party unquestionably needs new leadership that would unite it. The next chairman must emerge from a genuine electoral contest. As for Mr. Rama, I consider him a serious candidate who could save the party from its current defeats and turn the LDK into a competitive force for power.”

Lama emphasized that the fact that Përparim Rama has won two terms in the capital makes him one of the LDK’s strongest assets. According to her, the party must return to its foundations, while the decision on its leadership and future path must be made by its members.

“I believe that, as the two-time consecutive winner in the capital, he is the LDK’s strongest asset. The fact that he is constantly attacked by political opponents, including Vetëvendosje, shows that they consider him a threat. Ultimately, as a state-building party, the LDK needs a strong return to its roots, not experiments with its program or leadership. However, it is the party members who will decide its direction,” she said.

Tahiraj: The LDK is no one’s property and cannot be run according to individual whims

Activist Saim Tahiraj holds a different view. In a statement to “Bota sot,” he opposed calls for Lumir Abdixhiku to step down. He recalled that the chairman had once again received the confidence of the General Council.

According to Tahiraj, any candidacy for the leadership of the LDK should be presented only when the relevant process is opened and in accordance with the party’s statute and rules. He described calls for resignation as unacceptable and contrary to the democratic functioning of the LDK.

“First of all, it must be clear to everyone that it is not election time in the LDK. Several weeks ago, the General Council held a vote of confidence in Chairman Lumir Abdixhiku, and he was once again given support to continue leading the party. So what are these voices that are appearing in public seeking once again?

Every member has the right to run for LDK chairman when the time comes, but they must respect the statute and internal rules. This cannot happen according to individuals’ wishes, by bypassing the party’s institutions and democratic mechanisms.

Taking to the streets of Pristina with gangster-like behavior and demanding the removal of the LDK’s legitimate chairman is unacceptable. This demand becomes even more absurd when it comes from a person who, in my assessment, entered the LDK as a satellite, without having previously been a member and without any genuine merit or contribution to its establishment and strengthening,” he said.

Tahiraj insisted that Lumir Abdixhiku can be removed from the leadership only through the democratic procedures provided for by the party.

He described Përparim Rama’s candidacy as premature and claimed that his political positions are not in line with the LDK’s traditional philosophy.

“The current chairman can be removed from the leadership of the LDK only through democratic procedures and in compliance with the party’s statute and rules. This cannot be achieved through pressure from the streets, arrogance or individual demands. The LDK is an institutional party with a democratic tradition and cannot be subjected to personal ambitions.

Mr. Rama’s candidacy, which is incomprehensible and extremely premature, together with his demand for Mr. Abdixhiku’s resignation, constitutes a dangerous political adventure, particularly for Mr. Rama’s own career.

The political orientation he has followed so far does not align with the LDK’s traditional philosophy. In my view, his participation in protests against the Special Court demonstrates an approach closer to the PDK than to the LDK’s political philosophy. For this reason, the LDK does not need such a change,” he said.

Tahiraj said that the LDK has figures with more experience and stronger ties to the Rugova philosophy who could lead the party. He assessed that Rama does not fully embody the LDK’s political identity, while calling for unity, responsibility and the protection of Ibrahim Rugova’s legacy.

“The LDK has many figures with authority, experience, contributions and loyalty to the Rugova philosophy. They represent the party’s identity and political tradition better and, when the time for regular elections comes, they should be among the first candidates to lead it.

In this political ranking, Mr. Rama should be among the last candidates for LDK chairman, since, in my belief, he does not genuinely reflect the party’s identity, tradition and political philosophy.

The LDK needs unity, responsibility and respect for its statute, not political adventures, pressure from the streets or personal ambitions. It is the political legacy of the historic President, Dr. Ibrahim Rugova, and this legacy must be protected with prudence, responsibility and loyalty to its founding principles,” Tahiraj concluded in his statement to “Bota sot.”