What's happened
Kosovo's parliament is set to convene on Monday without a speaker after acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti's party, Vetevendosje!, failed to secure enough votes for its nominee. The political landscape remains fragmented, complicating efforts to form a new cabinet and advance stalled normalization talks with Serbia.
What's behind the headline?
Political Fragmentation
- Vetevendosje! won 48 seats but needs 61 to form a cabinet.
- Opposition parties, including PDK, LDK, and AAK, have ruled out coalitions.
Implications for Governance
- Without a speaker, parliamentary procedures are unclear, delaying governance.
- Kurti's reliance on minority MPs highlights the challenges of coalition-building.
Stalled Normalization Talks
- A new cabinet is crucial for resuming normalization talks with Serbia, which have been stagnant for years.
- The EU and US pressure for implementation of previous agreements adds urgency to the situation.
What the papers say
According to AP News, 'Parliament is due to convene on Monday, but without a speaker in place, the procedure for the session is unclear.' The Independent echoes this sentiment, noting that Kurti's party has turned to minority MPs for support but still lacks the necessary votes. Both sources emphasize the potential for another parliamentary election if a cabinet cannot be formed, highlighting the political instability in Kosovo. The articles also reflect on the historical context of Kosovo's independence and the ongoing normalization talks with Serbia, which remain critical for the region's stability.
How we got here
The February 9 election resulted in Vetevendosje! winning 48 out of 120 seats, falling short of a majority. Kurti's party previously held 58 seats in 2021. The opposition parties have ruled out coalition options, leading to uncertainty in forming a new government.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of the election results?
- How does this affect Kosovo's relationship with Serbia?
- What are the next steps for the parliament?
Common question
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What is Causing the Delay in Kosovo's Speaker Election?
Kosovo's political landscape is currently facing significant challenges, particularly with the delay in electing a new speaker for the parliament. This situation raises questions about the implications for governance and ongoing normalization talks with Serbia. Below, we explore the reasons behind this delay and its potential impact on Kosovo's future.
More on these topics
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Kosovo, officially the Republic of Kosovo, is a partially-recognised state in Southeast Europe, subject to a territorial dispute with the Republic of Serbia.
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Albin Kurti is an Albanian politician of Kosovo and activist who was the Prime Minister of Kosovo. He came to prominence in 1997 as the vice-president of the University of Prishtina Student Union, and a main organizer of non-violent demonstrations in 1997