Kosovo’s political landscape is in turmoil as the Constitutional Court has mandated the election of a parliamentary speaker within 30 days, following months of deadlock. The ruling comes after 37 failed attempts to inaugurate the new legislature since the February elections, jeopardizing crucial international loans and reforms.

Court Intervention and Deadline

  • The Constitutional Court’s ruling on Thursday, June 26, 2025, gives lawmakers 30 days to elect a speaker and deputy speakers, ending a stalemate that has lasted over four months since the February elections.
  • This decision was prompted by a request from 11 lawmakers, including the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), which questioned the legality of the ongoing impasse.
  • The Court emphasized that the obligation to constitute the Assembly rests with all deputies, not just the leading party.

The Root of the Deadlock

  • The Vetevendosje party, led by acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti, won the most seats (48 out of 120) in the February elections but failed to secure the 61 votes needed to install its preferred speaker, Albulena Haxhiu.
  • Opposition parties have consistently rejected Vetevendosje’s candidate, leading to 37 unsuccessful voting rounds.
  • Vetevendosje’s proposal for a secret ballot to elect the speaker was also rejected by opposition parties.

Political Ramifications and Risks

  • The prolonged deadlock prevents the formal nomination of Albin Kurti as Prime Minister and the formation of a new government.
  • Kosovo risks losing a 90 million Euro World Bank loan due to the institutional paralysis.
  • The absence of new institutions also freezes essential reforms and could lead to new parliamentary elections if a government cannot be formed.
  • The legality of decisions made by the current caretaker government is also being questioned.
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Efforts Towards Resolution

  • Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti has invited leaders of all political entities to a meeting on Saturday, June 28, 2025, to seek consensus.
  • Opposition parties, including PDK, LDK, and AAK, have confirmed their attendance, signaling a potential shift towards compromise.
  • The Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) has called for an "open vote, consensus and compromise," while AAK welcomed the court’s decision as a legal basis to break the deadlock.

What’s Next?

  • The 30-day deadline set by the Constitutional Court puts immense pressure on political parties to find a resolution.
  • Failure to elect a speaker within the stipulated timeframe could lead to unprecedented constitutional challenges and further instability.
  • The upcoming meeting of party leaders is crucial for determining the path forward and avoiding a deeper political crisis.

Sources

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