In early August, the situation escalated in parliament: MP Time Kadriaj threw an egg at Albin Kurti, the leader of the Vetevendosje party. Lawmakers from Kurti’s party rushed over to shield him.
Vetevendosje won the election in June and could, with the help of minority MPs, constitute parliament and form a government. But Kurti, who already governs Kosovo, is demanding an agreement on a new president first – and is asking for “additional time” to avoid new elections.
The head of state is elected by parliament, but in the third round only needs a simple majority, provided that two-thirds of MPs are present in the first two rounds. The opposition can block the vote by staying away. After 60 days without an agreement, parliament faces dissolution – as happened in June. That was already the third election in 16 months.
Vlora Citaku of the largest opposition party PDK accuses Kurti of violating the constitution: “Political agreements between parties and various political actors do not stand above the constitution.” Acting Albulena Haxhiu of Vetevendosje is calling on the opposition to negotiate. Sociology professor Artan Muhaxhiri sees the worst crisis since the 1999 war; the international community is failing as a mediator. Currently, Vetevendosje is negotiating with the LDK on a solution – Kurti appeared cautiously optimistic after a first meeting.
Source: Tagesschau
