The process of emerging from the political deadlock in Kosovo has been called into question after the leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo, Lumir Abdixhiku, halted his involvement in talks on government formation. This move came as a result of a motion to dismiss him from the party leadership, adding to doubts about the future of the institutional agreement.
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The cessation of contacts with the Vetëvendosje Movement occurred precisely when communication between the two political forces had raised hopes for a reconciliation that would expedite the establishment of new institutions. Now, the circumstances have created uncertainty over whether the LVV-LDK dialogue will recover and what impact the internal divisions within the LDK will have on the path toward institutionalization.
Political observers stress that the turmoil within the LDK is immediately reflected in the course of negotiations, complicating the reaching of a compromise. The lack of internal stability, according to them, reduces the party’s strength to make strategically significant decisions, while the delay in establishing institutions is deepening alarmingly. However, they do not rule out the possibility that the negotiating table could reopen once the situation in the LDK clears up and a common viewpoint is reached within it.
Experts warn that if the clash continues, the effects could extend beyond this party’s boundaries, affecting the pace of institutional building and the overall political stability of the country. “Bota sot” attempted to obtain reactions from lawmakers and officials of both parties, but they refused to speak on the topic.
For political analyst Nijazi Halili, Lumir Abdixhiku’s withdrawal from engagements on forming institutions is an event that directly affects the political dynamics. He underscores that, at a time when signals of a rapprochement between the Vetëvendosje Movement and the LDK were multiplying, this decision has injected uncertainty and stalled the institutional consolidation process.
“The LDK chairman’s move to suspend involvement in building institutions constitutes a development with immediate consequences for the political climate in Kosovo. At a stage when there were indications that contacts between LVV and LDK could materialize into a political agreement, this situation creates uncertainty and slows the creation of new institutions,” Halili said to “Bota sot.”
According to his analysis, a leader whose legitimacy is questioned by his own party ranks is complicated to make vital decisions. “Any potential agreement with another political force would require the support of the structures and a broad internal consensus. Therefore, the interruption of talks can be read as a way to avoid making key decisions at a moment when the picture within the LDK remains blurred,” he adds.
Nevertheless, Halili does not see this development as the end of the road for cooperation between the two entities. “I do not think this definitively seals the door on an LVV-LDK alliance. Politics is a field in constant motion, and when there is will for institutional stability and the functioning of the state, parties usually find a way to return to dialogue. If the LDK manages to overcome the internal rift and emerge with a common stance, negotiations could resume on stronger political foundations,” he argues.
Touching on the potential effects of the crisis in the LDK, Halili assesses that the impact could be broader than just the party itself. “If it drags on, the internal situation in the LDK could have consequences not just for this political force, but for the entire institutional mechanism of the country. This could reshape political balances, delay the calendar of institution creation, and open paths for new political alternatives,” he emphasizes.
In conclusion, Halili calls on all parliamentary forces to focus on dialogue and finding common ground. “At this moment, the responsibility of every party in the Assembly should be oriented towards talks, compromise, and the state interest, because citizens demand functioning institutions, not protracted crises. The events within the LDK will be decisive not only for its own fate, but also for the speed of setting up new institutions and political stability in the months to come,” he concludes.
On the other hand, professor and political analyst Nexhat Bexheti expresses the view that the delay in establishing institutions is not a new phenomenon, but a process that has already taken on markedly worrying forms. According to him, the institutional blockade has turned into a political “Odyssey,” while the lack of solutions is increasingly aggravating this situation.
“The dragging out of the establishment of the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo is not a novelty. This process has already taken on the proportions of an Odyssey and is turning into a chronic disease of our politics,” Bexheti declares to “Bota sot.” He recalls that in the past, the engagement and pressure of the international factor had served to overcome blockades.
“Earlier, when external actors became involved with concrete recommendations on deadlines for creating institutions, their pressure brought results. Now, it seems that the international community has delegated the way of resolving this knot to the political parties and, unfortunately, we are seeing the consequences of such an approach,” he observes.
As for the negotiation process, Bexheti stresses that the burden of creating institutions falls on the winner of the elections, the Vetëvendosje Movement and the prime minister-designate, Albin Kurti. “The talks on government formation belong to the winner, the Vetëvendosje Movement with Albin Kurti at its head. He has begun meetings with the parliamentary forces, but he must handle these consultations with care, because within the political entities there is a lack of seriousness to reach an agreement,” he says.
According to Bexheti, the LDK’s interruption of talks showed that its internal clashes are directly affecting the political course. “After the first meetings with the LDK, the idea emerged that an agreement on institutions could be found, but this lasted very briefly. Lumir Abdixhiku halted the talks as soon as internal disagreements surfaced and his legitimacy as party leader was questioned. This means that Albin Kurti must start a new round of dialogue,” he argues.
Bexheti also assesses that Kurti’s inclination to cooperate with the LDK has to do with the perception of the quality of this party’s cadres. “I believe that Albin Kurti has shown a certain sympathy for the LDK, appreciating that he may find there personalities less burdened by corruption scandals, which would help him form an executive with a clean profile,” he emphasizes.
The professor adds that the scope of dialogue should not be limited only to Albanian parties. “Kurti must sit at the table also with the Serbian List, to prevent dissatisfaction among the Serb community and to strengthen their integration into the country’s institutions. In parallel, he must keep communication open with the other parliamentary entities as well,” Bexheti says.
Finally, he warns that the crisis within the LDK could produce deep political consequences. “The LDK has a chance of facing a split into two factions, since the attitudes toward Lumir Abdixhiku’s policies are opposite. The clashes and tensions in the leadership could further damage the party and reduce popular support, which is already at a worrying level,” Bexheti concludes.
