Tensions and Physical Clashes in Parliament, Lis Bukuroca Warns: The Opposition Is Playing with Fire, Kosovo Is Heading Toward a Crisis

The continuation of the constitutive session of the Assembly of Kosovo has deepened tensions among MPs, even leading to physical confrontations. Meanwhile, political parties remain divided over how the institutional deadlock should be overcome.

The debate over the opposition’s responsibility and its impact on the current political crisis has also been fueled by actions carried out by PDK MPs, first outside the government building and later inside the Assembly.

Commenting on the developments for “Bota sot,” publicist Lis Bukuroca strongly criticized the opposition, describing its approach as “theatrical.”

In his assessment, part of the opposition seeks to convince the public that it is defending the rule of law, but through its concrete actions, he says, it is making it more difficult for the institutions to function.

“The opposition is playing a theatrical role, with the aim of convincing the people that it is on the right side. In reality, the situation created in Kosovo is linked to three main groups.

“The first group includes those committed to the rule of law. Among them are also individuals from the opposition, but the problematic issue is the opposition leaders. They hope to convince the people that they represent the right side, even though their actions prevent the rule of law from functioning,” Bukuroca said.

The publicist links part of this situation to political leaders who, according to him, have built a system in which personal and party interests take precedence over the proper functioning of institutions.

“The second category includes the leaders of political parties who have attained leadership positions without merit. They are compelled and obligated to oppose the rule of law in order to protect the people who delegated them to the opposition.

“The core of the problem is clear: we are witnessing a confrontation between the rule of law and a system that, for a long period, from the courts and the prosecution to the government, has worked in the service of political leaders and to protect their interests.

“There are many cases that can substantiate these claims,” he said.

In his analysis, Bukuroca also addresses influences that may come from abroad. He mentions a category of people who, he suspects, may have financial ties to Serbia, but acknowledges that there is insufficient evidence to determine specifically which individuals or media outlets are involved.

“The third group includes people who are financed by Serbia. Unfortunately, neither in politics nor in the media do we have sufficient information or evidence to identify the individuals or media outlets receiving payments directly from Serbia.

“There are many suspicions, but few facts. These suspicions stem from their activities, which often reveal an anti-state approach directed against Kosovo. They defend the interests of those who may be financing them.

“The UDB agents were not wiped out by Covid!” Bukuroca said.

In the publicist’s view, Kosovo’s current political crisis is best explained through these three categories.

“Thus, there are three groups in Kosovo: those who work for the rule of law, a segment of the opposition that presents itself as defending the rule of law while obstructing it, and another category that acts in the service of foreign interests,” he said.

Analyzing the opposition’s actions and the consequences they may have for the institutions, Bukuroca opposes moves that, according to him, are aimed at sabotaging them and increasing political pressure.

“It cannot be considered normal for the government to become the target of sabotage, denigration and blackmail through political processes, including the election of the head of state. This paradox has been further deepened by the Constitutional Court’s interpretations. It has often been criticized for a lack of impartiality and for rulings that have determined how the Assembly operates, although it is not always clear where these interpretations find their direct constitutional basis,” Bukuroca said.

Regarding discussions over the number of MPs who must be present in the Assembly, he disputes the claim that the Constitution necessarily requires the participation of 80 lawmakers.

“The Constitution does not stipulate in any provision that 80 MPs must be present in the Assembly. This is an invention of the Court!” the publicist said.

As for the government led by Vetëvendosje, Bukuroca believes the current administration is also facing a deep crisis. According to him, one of the main obstacles is the difficulty of securing reliable partners.

“The state, therefore, is being sabotaged on several fronts. The current Vetëvendosje government is in a major crisis, partly because it is finding it difficult to secure reliable partners. Many political actors present themselves as working for the good of the state, but in reality they serve other interests.

“In conclusion, Kosovo’s problem is not limited solely to the clash between the government and the opposition. The real dividing line is between those who genuinely defend the state and its institutions and those who exploit them for political, personal or foreign interests,” Lis Bukuroca concluded for “Bota sot.”