Kosovo’s parliament failed once
again today in its 47th attempt to elect a new speaker,
following the February 9 elections. The majority party,
Vetevendosje (Self-Determination), once more proposed a secret
ballot, but lawmakers rejected the motion. Vetevendosje pushed
for the change in recent weeks after its government-backed
candidate, Albulena Haxhiu, failed six times in a row to secure
the minimum 61 votes required for election.
The failure to elect a speaker and complete the formation of
the new Assembly continues to block the formation of a new
government. The deadlock has paralyzed Kosovo’s institutions and
public life — lawmakers have stalled numerous draft laws,
authorities have postponed signing international agreements,
officials have suspended the review of the national budget, and
institutions have delayed key appointments.
The government also cannot submit requests for millions of
euros in EU funding. Meanwhile, talks with Belgrade face ongoing
postponements.
On June 26, the Constitutional Court intervened in the power
struggle between the government and opposition, which has
persisted since the parliament’s first session on April 15. The
court imposed a strict 30-day deadline for electing the
parliamentary speaker and finalizing the Assembly. Although the
judges did not clarify the consequences of missing the deadline,
many believe that if the deadlock continues past July 26, Kosovo
may face new elections.
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