Following a meeting of the parliamentary group, Lumir Abdixhiku announced that the LDK was withdrawing all its demands to be included in the government, including its claim to the post of president. The party leader confirmed that the LDK would continue to remain in opposition.

Ismail Muçiqi, a journalist and expert on developments in the country, commented to “Bota sot” on the decision to end negotiations on forming a coalition government.

In his assessment, the current political crisis was created by the parties, and there is little reason to believe that new elections would produce a significantly different result.

Muçiqi believes that the LDK still has an opportunity to improve its image among both its own voters and the broader public if it fulfills its commitment to help elect new institutions and overcome the institutional deadlock.

He added that Abdixhiku is aware that a new electoral process could cost him, above all, the position of LDK chairman. According to Muçiqi, such a development would also damage Abdixhiku’s political career prospects.

Speaking finally about the LDK’s conduct regarding developments in the Assembly, Muçiqi assessed that its indifferent stance—specifically, its refusal to engage in the political clashes caused by the PDK and AAK—had had a positive impact on the party’s image.

He stressed that these events in Parliament were being judged and condemned by the country’s citizens, while the LDK, by staying out of them, had demonstrated restraint and political maturity in the face of the current situation. Muçiqi concluded in comments to “Bota sot” that the party’s stance had also helped preserve political stability.

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Before the start of the constitutive session, LDK leader Lumir Abdixhiku said that talks with the Vetëvendosje Movement had brought the parties closer on many issues, but that they continued to differ on the main issue: democratic balance.

According to him, establishing this balance would benefit Kosovo. Abdixhiku stressed that the LDK’s participation in these meetings is aimed at preventing new elections.

He explained that during the discussions, they are trying to defend their positions, which are not the same as those of the other side, and that this requires time. At the same time, he said, the goal is to unite all those represented by the LDK, including its members of parliament, around a common solution. Abdixhiku said these three processes are difficult and that, as long as the efforts and meetings continue, they remain the only ones seeking to avoid new elections.

The LDK leader said critics do not understand the reason and purpose behind these meetings. According to him, it appears that they are being asked to take the country to elections again, while such a scenario would cause the greatest harm to Kosovo and demonstrate the complete failure of the political class.

Abdixhiku said the meetings would continue. If the parties fail to reach an agreement, he said they will speak publicly and acknowledge it.

He stressed that the Assembly must be constituted today and that there is no reason for this not to happen. After this step, he said, around 25 days will be available to form the government. Abdixhiku said it would be better to reach an agreement on all institutions earlier, but if that does not happen, the parties must be transparent and honest, acknowledging that this is as far as they were able to go and that they cannot do more.

Asked whether the post of President should go to the LDK, Abdixhiku explained that the discussion was not about specific names, but about creating a balance in the distribution of power.

He said the LDK presents its positions during the meetings and that its demand for democratic balance means the party should have its own representation. At this stage, according to Abdixhiku, the discussions are not about specific individuals, but about a balanced democratic distribution of power.

According to him, it is beneficial for Kosovo for the parties to be represented and for the election result to be respected in its entirety. Abdixhiku stressed that the LDK does not seek to obtain anything to which it is not entitled, but at the same time, no one else should be allowed to gain something to which they are not entitled. He described democratic balance as the key issue in the ongoing meetings.

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The move to dismiss Lumir Abdixhiku from the leadership of the LDK has forced him to suspend his involvement in the formation of institutions, thus deepening the uncertainty about the resolution of the political crisis in Kosovo.

The talks with the Vetëvendosje Movement were interrupted at a moment when prior communication between the parties had fueled hopes for an agreement and an acceleration of the institutional process.

These developments have raised dilemmas over whether the dialogue between LVV and LDK can resume and how much the internal crisis will affect the institutionalization process. Political experts stress that the situation in LDK is directly reflected in the course of the talks, making it difficult to reach an agreement.

According to them, internal instability limits the party in making strategic decisions, while the delay in forming institutions is becoming increasingly alarming. However, they do not rule out the possibility that talks could resume once the situation in LDK becomes clearer and an internal consensus is reached.

Analysts warn that if the crisis continues, the effects could go beyond this political entity, affecting the pace of institution-building and the overall political stability of the country.

“Bota sot” has sought the positions of MPs and officials from both parties, but they have not commented on this issue.

In a statement for “Bota sot”, political analyst Nijazi Halili assesses that the internal crisis in LDK is affecting the formation of institutions, but negotiations with LVV could resume once the party has a unified stance.

He considers the suspension of engagements by Abdixhiku as an action that immediately affects the political dynamic, especially at a time when previous signs indicated a convergence of positions. According to him, this brings uncertainty and slows down the establishment of institutions.

Halili stresses that a leader facing internal challenges to his legitimacy finds it difficult to make strategic decisions. Any eventual agreement with another entity would need to be supported by the party structures and enjoy broad consensus, so the suspension of talks can be seen as an attempt to avoid important decision-making in unclear circumstances within the LDK.

However, he does not think this means the end of the possibility for cooperation between LVV and LDK. Politics, he emphasizes, is dynamic and when there is an interest in institutional stability, the parties usually return to the table. If LDK manages to overcome the crisis and emerge with a unified stance, negotiations could resume on clearer grounds.

Speaking about possible consequences, Halili warns that the prolongation of the crisis could have effects that go beyond the party, affecting the entire institutional process in the country and influencing the reconfiguration of political relations, the postponement of deadlines, and the emergence of new scenarios.

Finally, he calls on parliamentary parties to orient themselves toward dialogue and compromise, putting the state interest above all else, because citizens expect functional institutions and not prolonged crises. According to him, developments in LDK will be decisive both for the future of this party and for the pace of institution-building and political stability in Kosovo in the coming months.

Meanwhile, professor and political analyst Nexhat Bexheti, also in a statement for “Bota sot”, stresses that the lack of seriousness among political entities is hindering the formation of institutions and that the crisis in LDK could further deepen the blockade.

He assesses that the delay in creating institutions in Kosovo is not a new phenomenon; on the contrary, it has already taken the form of an “Odyssey” and is emerging as a chronic disease of Kosovar politics. Bexheti recalls that in the past, intervention and pressure from the international factor brought results, but now it seems that this factor has left the solution in the hands of the parties, and the consequences of this approach are evident.

According to him, the responsibility for forming institutions rests with the election winner, the Vetëvendosje Movement and mandate-holder Albin Kurti. He has started meetings with parliamentary parties, but Bexheti advises caution, because there is a lack of seriousness among the entities to reach an agreement.

The suspension of talks by the LDK, he emphasizes, showed that the party’s internal problems are directly affecting the process. From the first meetings, the impression was created that a solution could be found, but it did not last. Abdixhiku cut off contacts after the emergence of internal opposition and questioning of his legitimacy, which means that Kurti needs a new round of negotiations.

Bexheti assesses that Kurti’s preference for the LDK can be explained by the perception that he can find cadres there less exposed to corruption scandals, which would help form a government with a clean image.

He adds that dialogue should expand beyond Albanian parties, including the Serbian List, in order to avoid dissatisfaction in the Serb community and strengthen their inclusion in Kosovo’s institutions. In parallel, communication should remain open with all other parliamentary entities.

Finally, Bexheti warns that LDK risks splitting into two factions, due to opposing stances on Abdixhiku’s policy. Clashes and disagreements in the leadership, according to him, could further damage the party and reduce support, which is already at a critical point.

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Albulena Haxhiu, acting President of Kosovo, announced during a press conference that the constitutive session of the Assembly is scheduled for August 6. She called on political forces to find common ground for setting up institutions, stressing that contacts between them are expected to intensify in the coming days.

Haxhiu explained that the main reason the session was not called earlier relates to the process of electing the president. She stressed that she has carefully followed the dialogue efforts and meetings held by the Vetëvendosje Movement, noting that the Alliance did not respond to the invitation for talks. Given the lack of an agreement on the head of state, Haxhiu preferred not to rush the convening of the session, but to use the constitutional deadline to give the parties the necessary space to reach a consensus.

Speaking about the dynamics of the negotiations, she confirmed that only two meetings have been held so far. According to her, the Democratic Party of Kosovo has presented its positions regarding the continuity of the process, while the Democratic League of Kosovo has suspended discussions for internal reasons. Haxhiu considered this decision by the LDK unexpected, adding that the suspension of negotiations was not welcomed. She noted that the atmosphere at the first meeting between Albin Kurti and Lumir Abdixhiku was different compared to previous attempts to negotiate the president issue.

Haxhiu assured that the Vetëvendosje Movement does not aim for early elections and has enough votes to form both the Assembly and the Government. However, she underlined the importance of finding a solution for the post of president and dismissed rumors of a new election round, inviting the parties to serious discussions to overcome the current deadlock.

Regarding the possibility of herself being a candidate for Speaker of the Assembly, Haxhiu avoided a direct answer, stating that this is a decision belonging exclusively to the winning party. The August 6 session, she added, will provide the final answer on whom LVV will propose for this position.

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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.

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.

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Uncertainty over how to overcome Kosovo’s political deadlock has increased after LDK leader Lumir Abdixhiku decided to temporarily suspend his involvement in forming the institutions. The move followed an initiative to remove him from the party’s leadership.

Contacts between the Democratic League of Kosovo and the Vetëvendosje Movement had raised hopes that a political compromise could be reached and the establishment of new institutions accelerated. However, negotiations were suspended at precisely this stage.

The situation has raised questions about whether LVV-LDK talks can resume and the extent to which the clashes within LDK will affect the process of forming institutions. Political experts say internal developments in the party are having a direct impact on the progress of negotiations and making it more difficult to reach an agreement.

According to them, a party that lacks internal stability has less room to make strategic decisions. At the same time, delays in forming the institutions are becoming increasingly concerning. Despite this, analysts believe dialogue could resume once the situation within LDK is clarified and the party reaches a common position.

They warn that a continuation of the crisis could have consequences that are not limited to LDK, but could also affect the pace at which institutions are established and Kosovo’s political stability.

“Bota sot” sought comments from lawmakers and officials from both parties, but none of them commented on the issue.

The crisis within LDK is affecting the establishment of institutions, while dialogue with LVV could resume once positions are unified

Political affairs expert Nijazi Halili considers Lumir Abdixhiku’s suspension of his involvement in the process of forming institutions to be a development with a direct impact on Kosovo’s political landscape.

Halili told “Bota sot” that the decision came at a time when contacts between the Vetëvendosje Movement and the Democratic League of Kosovo were signaling a convergence of positions and the possibility of compromise. According to him, the new situation has created uncertainty and slowed the establishment of the new institutions.

He believes that a leader whose legitimacy is being challenged within the party faces difficulty making decisions on strategic issues related to the party’s future.

According to Halili, any potential agreement with another political force must secure the support of the party’s structures and a broad internal consensus. For this reason, he also sees the suspension of negotiations as an attempt to avoid making important decisions while the situation within LDK remains unclear.

Despite recent developments, Halili does not believe the prospect of cooperation between LVV and LDK has been definitively ruled out.

He argues that politics is constantly changing and that parties usually return to the negotiating table when there is an interest in institutional stability and the functioning of the state. If LDK overcomes its internal crisis and aligns its positions, he says, negotiations could resume on clearer political grounds.

Analyzing the effects of the clashes within LDK, Halili warns that the consequences of a prolonged crisis could extend beyond the party itself and encompass the country’s entire institutional process.

He says such a situation could alter the balance between political forces, delay the establishment of institutions and open the door to new political scenarios.

In conclusion, Halili calls on all parliamentary parties to prioritize talks, compromise and the national interest.

According to him, citizens expect functioning institutions, not a continuation of political crises. Developments within LDK, Halili believes, will be decisive not only for the party’s prospects but also for the speed at which the new institutions are formed and for Kosovo’s political stability in the coming months.

Parties’ lack of a serious approach is delaying the institutions, while turmoil within LDK risks deepening the deadlock

Professor and political analyst Nexhat Bexheti says delays in forming the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo are nothing new, but have now reached worrying proportions.

In his assessment, the institutional deadlock has turned into a political “Odyssey” and is emerging as a chronic ailment of Kosovo politics, while the lack of solutions continues to worsen the situation.

Bexheti recalls that during previous crises, the involvement and pressure of the international community helped find a political way out.

He told “Bota sot” that external pressure produced results when international actors offered clear guidance on the deadlines for establishing institutions. Now, according to him, it appears that the task of finding a solution has been left to the political parties themselves, and the consequences of this approach are already becoming apparent.

Regarding negotiations, Bexheti emphasizes that the main responsibility for forming the institutions rests with the election winner, the Vetëvendosje Movement, and prime minister-designate Albin Kurti.

He says Kurti has begun meetings with the parliamentary parties, but must approach these talks carefully because the parties lack the seriousness needed to reach an agreement.

According to Bexheti, LDK’s temporary suspension of the talks showed that its internal problems are having a direct impact on the political process.

He recalls that the initial meetings with LDK created the impression that an agreement on the institutions was possible, but that expectation was short-lived. Lumir Abdixhiku suspended the talks after opposition emerged within the party and his legitimacy as leader was called into question. Consequently, according to Bexheti, Albin Kurti must begin another round of negotiations.

Bexheti believes Kurti’s inclination to cooperate with LDK is also linked to how the party’s officials are perceived.

According to him, Albin Kurti has shown sympathy toward LDK, believing that he could find within its ranks figures who are less exposed to corruption scandals. Bexheti believes this would help Kurti build a government with a clean image.

The professor adds that the dialogue process should not involve only Albanian parties.

He says Kurti should also hold talks with the Serbian List to prevent discontent among the Serb community and strengthen its inclusion in Kosovo’s institutions. In addition, according to Bexheti, communication should also remain open with the other parliamentary parties.

Finally, Bexheti warns that LDK’s crisis could have significant political consequences.

He believes LDK could split into two factions because of opposing views within the party regarding Lumir Abdixhiku’s policies. According to him, conflicts and grudges within the leadership could further damage the party and reduce its support, which is already at a critical point.

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He made known that the date and venue of the assembly will be announced after the full verification of the signatures is completed.

“After the full verification of the signatures, the date and venue of the assembly will be made known. The LDK has been and must remain the pillar of its strength. Therefore, we must not avoid any democratic process. We will not take away anyone’s right to vote, and we will not hold any post against the will of the majority,” declared Abdixhiku.

Meanwhile, the LDK leader has announced that talks on forming the government have been suspended. According to him, recent developments and involvement in the party’s internal processes make it impossible to continue negotiations at this stage.

“At this point, I must also inform the citizens of our country that, due to this initiative, we have been forced to suspend the engagements and institutional meetings of recent weeks for the creation of the government, which citizens have rightfully been waiting for a long time. Under these circumstances, because of this initiative, it would be neither serious nor appropriate to continue negotiations for the creation of the government, while my current mandate and that of the LDK representatives is being questioned,” he said.

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Prime Minister Edi Rama leads the Albanian delegation at this ninth Intergovernmental Conference with the European Union, where the closure of Chapter 25 (Science and Research), Chapter 26 (Education and Culture), and Chapter 30 (Foreign Relations) will be sealed. These areas have already been assessed as aligned with EU standards.

The high-level session will open at 19:00, while a press conference on the progress of the integration journey has been announced for around 20:00.

This step represents the successful completion of interim benchmarks (IBAR), a cornerstone in the framework of dialogue with European institutions.

Following this achievement, Tirana must fulfill the criteria for closing the remaining 30 chapters, with the ambition of concluding the technical part of the negotiations by 2027. The final word on full accession remains a political decision, which requires the unanimous consent of the 27 member states of the Union.

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During the meeting, Haxhiu stressed that Kosovo’s request for membership in the European Union should not be delayed any further.

“Kosovo’s application for membership in the European Union must be handled without further delays, and the country’s progress should be assessed on the basis of merit,” she said.

She underlined that Kosovo is not seeking favorable treatment, but an equal and fair procedure.

“Kosovo is not asking for an exemption from the criteria, but for a fair process that would pave the way for obtaining candidate country status and the start of membership negotiations,” Haxhiu said.

Haxhiu also presented Kosovo’s achievements in reforms related to European integration, the rule of law and economic development, emphasizing that the country’s Euro-Atlantic course remains unchanged.

“Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic orientation is clear, stable and enjoys broad public support,” the acting president said.

The meeting also addressed the dialogue with Serbia, security issues, as well as the lack of accountability for the terrorist attack in Banjska.

“The European process must be based on the implementation of agreements and on equal accountability for all parties,” Haxhiu stressed.

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