Political deadlock continues, analysts warn of risk of snap elections

Efforts to establish new institutions have met with the first clear refusals. Unlike the Democratic League, the Democratic Party of Kosovo has not accepted the invitation from acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti, while no similar meeting has been held with the Alliance either.

The PDK confirmed its position through an official letter, arguing that deep conceptual and programmatic differences define its position in opposition. The party said it would exercise its opposition responsibilities in the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo.

Deputy Burim Ramadani also reacted to the failure to constitute the Assembly. He wrote that the process remained blocked because Vetëvendosje did not have the 61 votes required.

Political experts attribute responsibility for the political situation, which has lasted for nearly two years, to the entire party spectrum. Adrian Zeqiri described the situation as evidence of a complete lack of political culture, stressing that the consequences are being borne by the people, who have been left in deadlock for nearly two years.

According to analysts, the political parties’ unchanged positions leave very little room for a quick agreement on the position of president. Experts estimate that the opposition’s firm positions, along with those of potential coalition partners, could plunge Kosovo into another prolonged political deadlock.

Afrim Kasolli said that the demands of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo do not differ from those of the Democratic League of Kosovo. According to him, the Alliance is offering Vetëvendosje blank-check votes without seeking any ministerial post, while he is convinced that the LDK will make such demands and, at the same time, seek political positions in the distribution of power.

Kasolli said that these were much broader dynamics between the two political entities, which were not expected to be overcome easily and therefore offered little hope of a solution.

If the parties continue refusing to back down from their initial positions, analysts warn that the only remaining possibility is a scenario unwanted by everyone: holding another round of snap elections.

The lack of institutions has already cost Kosovo tens of millions of euros in European Union funds. In addition to this loss, consequences are also expected for the country’s economic development and Kosovo’s position on the international stage.