Uncertainty Over Formation of Institutions Continues as Constitutional Deadline Approaches

Kosovo still faces an unclear political situation regarding the establishment of new institutions, while the time provided for under the Constitution is running out.

No agreement has yet been reached in the discussions held so far, while the session to constitute the Assembly is expected to be called in two weeks.

Acting President Albulena Haxhiu said on Friday that the Assembly’s constitutive session would be called in early August.

According to the Kosovo Government, which spoke to RTK, the opposition is expected not to block the process and the country is not expected to be forced into new elections.

Meanwhile, following the latest meeting, the Democratic Party of Kosovo announced that it would remain in opposition. The LDK, on the other hand, has suspended talks, adding to the doubts over the next steps toward forming the institutions.

Political experts believe that the LDK’s decision to suspend talks, as well as internal clashes within the party, have increased uncertainty over securing the majority needed to elect the president.

Analysts say the PDK could play a decisive role at this stage. Sadik Zeqiri believes that, following divisions within the LDK, it is unclear whether all 18 MPs from the party will vote for the new president.

“If there are no talks with the PDK, then the country will go to elections. The LDK does not have 18 guaranteed votes for the presidential candidate,” Zeqiri told RTK.

Analyst Fatime Hajdari also believes that the latest developments within the LDK have deepened Kosovo’s political crisis.

“The LDK has not had internal certainty in controlling the vote, in terms of how many votes it has in a political cooperation. They need clarity. These political parties must have the responsibility and obligation to cooperate with one another,” Hajdari said.