Thaci’s acquittal and his return to Kosovo would shake up the political scene

“Thaci’s acquittal and his return to Kosovo would shake up the political scene”

Analyst Agon Maliqi, in an article published in the Atlantic Council, analyzed the possible effects of Hashim Thaçi’s potential acquittal from charges in the Special Court during the spring of next year. 

Maliqi has written that his return to Kosovo, free from charges, would shake up the Kosovo political scene, which is currently in a crisis and blockade without an Assembly and a new Government. 

“However, if he is acquitted of the charges, Thaçi’s return to Kosovo would almost certainly shake up the political scene, which has been deadlocked due to the inability to form a government. This also comes at a time when incumbent Prime Minister Albin Kurti is increasingly at odds with Washington and Brussels over what US and EU officials see as destabilizing moves regarding relations with Serbia and the rights of Kosovo Serbs,” Maliqi wrote. 

According to Maliqi, although it is unclear what role Thaçi could take, his return would strengthen Albin Kurti’s rival wing. 

“It remains unclear what political role Thaçi could play if an acquittal comes in the spring, but early elections are approaching. However, Thaçi’s return is likely to strengthen Kurti’s rival camp, whatever his role. This camp has favored closer cooperation with the West and has shown a greater willingness to pursue a final solution with Serbia,” Maliqi wrote. 

“An acquittal is also likely to please Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, a vocal supporter of Thaçi’s defense, who sees him as the preferred ethnic Albanian partner across the border. Rama’s relations with Kurti have deteriorated irreparably. At the same time, an acquittal is likely to anger Belgrade, which has supplied the prosecution with evidence against Thaçi and is likely to use an acquittal to reinforce its standard narrative of Western bias against Serbs,” added analyst Maliqi, among others.