The parliamentary group of the Democratic League of Kosovo met on Thursday and decided that LDK would withdraw from negotiations with the Vetëvendosje Movement.
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At the end of the meeting, LDK leader Lumir Abdixhiku announced that his party was relinquishing all claims to positions, including its demand for the presidency. According to him, the move is intended to pave the way for resolving the political deadlock.
Abdixhiku explained that LDK had been offered only three ministries and the position of deputy prime minister. He said the parliamentary group had considered the offer disproportionate and therefore could not accept it, while the rejection had unfortunately been followed by a public battle initiated by the Vetëvendosje Movement.
At the press conference, he stated that LDK does not want the future of the Republic to be conditional on its demands. To unblock the process and enable a solution in the state’s interest, the party will contribute without seeking political benefits and is withdrawing all claims to participation in the government.
According to Abdixhiku, the Vetëvendosje Movement can retain all government positions, as LDK is also relinquishing the post of Assembly speaker and its demand to lead the presidency. He added that if LVV believes it does not need LDK as a partner, then his party will remain in opposition.
However, Abdixhiku stressed that this position would not turn into a blockade. According to him, LDK is ready to discuss the election of the president without seeking any position in return and is calling on all sides to jointly elect a president who will defend the Republic and the Constitution.
This development raises the question of whether the withdrawal will strengthen or weaken LDK politically.
Political analysts interpret the decision as a response to dissatisfaction with LVV’s offer. At the same time, they say the move signals that LDK does not want to obstruct the establishment of institutions and aims to prevent new elections from being held.
They believe the position reflects seriousness and commitment to the state’s interests, as LDK has chosen to look beyond narrow party calculations. If an agreement that puts the state above party interests is reached, this step could also help strengthen cooperation between the two parties.
Gani Mehmeti: The State, Not the Party, Must Come First
Speaking to “Bota sot,” political analyst Gani Mehmeti said LDK’s withdrawal from participation in the government expresses anger, dissatisfaction and disagreement with LVV’s proposal of only three ministries and one deputy prime minister. Nevertheless, he considered the decision a measured step.
Mehmeti argued that, in such situations, an agreement on establishing state institutions should not be based solely on calculating vote percentages. When there is no other solution, he said, one party or the other must agree to receive less or more than it believes it deserves.
He said the allocation of positions sometimes also depends on the parties’ “appetite.” According to him, LVV, as the party distributing responsibilities, should show “solidarity” and give more because the smaller parties, although small, may be “hungrier” and should receive enough to satisfy that “hunger.”
According to Gani Mehmeti, the fact that LDK is withdrawing from the government but is willing to vote for a consensus candidate, whom Kurti has repeatedly mentioned, makes it possible to establish the institutions. He said the party, although dissatisfied with the offer, would not oppose voting for a nonpartisan candidate for president of Kosovo.
The analyst said this position could revive LDK and present it as an institutional party. According to him, had it acted this way earlier, elections would not have been repeated three consecutive times by now. He described LDK’s opposition to new, exhausting and early elections as a sign of generosity.
Referring to the proverb “Good begets good,” Mehmeti said LVV should also include LDK in a coalition government by offering it more ministries than it has so far. As another option, he suggested that the president of Kosovo remain a consensus choice but be nominated by LDK.
In his assessment, such a formula would deepen cooperation between the two parties and preserve it until the end of the regular electoral term. According to Mehmeti, this would also benefit LVV because responsibility for developments would not rest with just one party, but with both, while a larger number of people would bring more good ideas.
He emphasized that such cooperation should be built on the utmost sincerity from both sides and on what is most beneficial for the state, rather than each party thinking only of its own interests.
In conclusion, Gani Mehmeti called on political parties to put the state’s interests before party interests. He compared Kosovo to the citizens’ shared home and the parties to separate rooms within it, warning that if no one takes care of the house, everyone could be left without it.
Mehmeti said LDK had clearly expressed its dissatisfaction with the number of positions offered, while also demonstrating that it would not block the establishment of institutions. According to him, the “ball” is now in LVV’s court, and it remains to be seen what steps it will take to establish them.
He expressed hope that the parties would find common ground as soon as possible and that all of Kosovo’s institutions would be established. According to him, this is necessary to save the country politically, economically, financially and morally, as Kosovo has been humiliated enough so far.
Faton Mehmeti: LDK’s Most Just Decision Since Rugova’s Death
Political analyst Faton Mehmeti also commented to “Bota sot” on LDK’s withdrawal, which he described as a decision serving the state’s interests.
He stated that this is the most appropriate decision LDK has made since President Rugova’s death because it demonstrates seriousness and responsibility toward the state. According to him, the party made a major contribution to overcoming the deadlock surrounding the country’s president, with the burden of responsibility now shifting to Mr. Kurti.
Faton Mehmeti said that, following this step, Kurti bears responsibility for resolving the political situation. He added that LDK had acted beyond its own interests and that such a position is expected to be rewarded by the electorate in the next elections.
