Haxhiu fails to become parliament speaker, session continues on Monday

LDK: VV doesn't have the numbers, it can't hide behind procedural acrobatics

Photo: Driton Pacharada

The Democratic League of Kosovo has said that the failure of the Vetevendosje Movement to elect a speaker of parliament on Saturday in two attempts shows that this party does not have a majority in the Assembly. Commenting on the session in which the report on the verification of mandates of deputies was approved, but the step to elect the speaker of parliament failed, the LDK said that the Vetevendosje Movement cannot hide the lack of numbers "behind procedural acrobatics or parliamentary improvisations."

In the press statement, the LDK gave its position on 6 points.

According to her, the mandate verification commission paved the way for the constitution after "accepting verbal resignations from members of the Government certified as deputies."

The second position of the LDK is to "not participate in any process that violates the constitutional order, democratic procedures and parliamentary free will."

The LDK has also warned of legal action against government officials who, although certified as MPs, have made executive decisions from March 27 onwards.

This party has said that VV has made efforts through pressure and dubious calculations to influence the will of the deputies.

However, despite this, according to the LDK, the reality is that "Vetëvendosje does not have the numbers." "And this fact cannot be hidden behind procedural acrobatics or parliamentary improvisations," the LDK said in response.

On the fifth point, the LDK said that any attempt to push forward political agendas without obtaining the minimum 61 votes, "represents an infringement of democracy and a violation of the rules of the parliamentary game."

Finally, the LDK has said that the country urgently needs institutional stability and full political legitimacy.

"We will not allow the Republic of Kosovo to be blocked for narrow party interests. The only way forward is full respect for the Constitution and the law," the LDK's response states.

In two attempts to appoint Albulena Haxhiu as speaker of parliament, 57 MPs voted in favor. A simple majority is required with 61 votes.

Haxhiu: I will be nominated again for Speaker of Parliament

The elected MP of the Vetëvendosje Movement, Albulena Haxhiu, has declared that she will once again be the name proposed by her party for the position of Speaker of the Assembly, despite two failed attempts in the session to constitute the ninth legislature, due to the lack of the necessary votes.

She has blamed the opposition parties for the institutional deadlock by not voting for the president and vice-presidents. According to Haxhiu, the Vetëvendosje Movement will propose the same name again in Monday's session.

"First, let me thank the 57 deputies who supported me to be the Speaker of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, of course 4 more votes are needed... So, out of all the deputies of the Assembly, 61 must be in favor. As you understood, the session was suspended, within 48 hours the next session was called, the Assembly cannot be constituted without electing the Speaker of the Assembly and all the deputy speakers. We were ready to continue with further procedures, but it seems that the opposition is keeping the Assembly blocked, because they do not support the VV proposal. Therefore, it is up to the VV to make the next proposal, it will be the same name. Thank you", she said.

Albulena Haxhiu did not receive enough votes in today's two attempts for the position of Speaker of the Kosovo Assembly. The next session is scheduled for Monday at 15:00 PM.

PDK: We are ready to form a government with Prime Minister Bedri Hamza

The Democratic Party of Kosovo, in a statement following the swearing-in of its deputies and the failure of Albulena Haxhiu to be elected speaker of parliament, has once again said that it is ready to take responsibility for forming a new government, even though it came second in the February 9 elections.

"The Democratic Party of Kosovo will continue to be a factor of stability, a guarantor of constitutional order and a strong voice of civic interest. Committed to democracy, state-building and development, PDK remains ready to take responsibility for the formation of a new professional government, with Prime Minister Bedri Hamza, and with clear objectives to return the state to the right track of development and integration - in the event that the first mandate fails to secure a parliamentary majority, as was clearly demonstrated today," reads a statement published on Facebook by PDK leader Memli Krasniqi.

This party has announced that it recognizes the right of the first party to propose a candidate for Speaker of the Assembly. However, PDK has said that the primary responsibility for establishing institutions belongs to Vetëvendosje, but according to it, the responsibility does not permanently lie with VV.

"The hour for the establishment of the new institutions of the Republic has begun. The first, but not permanent, responsibility falls on the VV-Guxo-Alternativa coalition, which must treat this moment with the seriousness required by the political situation and the country's need for stability," the PDK statement said.

Regarding the vote on the Verification Commission's report on quorum and mandates, after two failures, PDK said that with the vote in favor it contributed "to overcoming an unnecessary parliamentary deadlock."

According to this party, the commission has accepted the request to include in the minutes the individual resignations of the prime minister and ministers.

Limaj: The Assembly and the Government will be constituted very soon

Fatmir Limaj abstained for the Speaker of Parliament, gives hope to Vetëvendosje...

Photo: Driton Pacharada

The President of the Initiative, Fatmir Limaj, said that the Assembly and the Government will be constituted very soon.

"Kosovo now has a Parliament and MPs and they will find a way for further steps," he said.

"Very soon, these other parts will be completed and the Assembly and Government will be constituted according to the law and the Constitution," Limaj added.

He did not answer journalists' questions about why Nisma's three votes were abstentions for the LVV proposal for the position of Speaker of the Assembly.

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KDI: VV must hold political discussions and compromises for the speaker of parliament

Photo: Archive

Photo: Driton Pacharada

The Kosovo Democratic Institute has said that the main responsibility for successfully concluding the constitutive session lies with the Vetëvendosje Movement as the winner of the February 9 elections. In a press release, the KDI said that the Vetëvendosje Movement has a duty to lead the process and do everything required – including political compromises – to secure the necessary majority to elect the speaker of parliament.

In the third attempt to constitute the Assembly, the deputies approved the mandate verification report and took the oath. But in two attempts, Albulena Haxhiu of the VV received only 57 votes in the vote to become the Speaker. After that, Speaker Avni Dehari adjourned the session until Monday.

"KDI calls on all MPs, regardless of political affiliation, to contribute to the successful conclusion of this constitutive session. However, we emphasize that the main responsibility falls on the largest entity in the Assembly, the Vetevendosje Movement, which has the duty to lead the process and do everything required - including political discussions and compromises - to ensure a majority for the election of the Speaker of the Assembly," KDI said in a reaction.

According to KDI, further delaying the process harms the functioning of institutions, but risks further deepening the political and institutional crisis.

Meanwhile, KDI considered the voting on the mandate verification report an important step. However, it said that the solution is politically controversial, but legally unclear.

"Although the report does not include formal resignations, the minutes include verbal statements by the Prime Minister and incumbent ministers, which were used as a basis for overcoming the situation - a politically controversial but legally unclear solution," the statement said.

The session is suspended, postponed until Monday

Photo: Driton Pacharada

The chairman of the constitutive session, Avni Dehari, has adjourned the session after the second failure to elect Albulena Haxhiu as parliamentary speaker.

He announced that the session has been postponed to Monday.

Haxhiu fails for the second time to be elected as parliament speaker

The vote on Albulena Haxhiu's proposal for parliamentary speaker has failed for the second time.

In the second vote, Haxhiu again received 57 votes, 19 against and three abstentions.

VV again proposes Haxhiu for parliamentary speaker

Photo: Driton Pacharada

The Vetëvendosje Movement has once again proposed the name of Albulena Haxhiu for parliamentary speaker.

Peci calls on the opposition to vote for the speaker of parliament: There is no other choice

Acting Minister of Agriculture, Faton Peci, has asked opposition parties not to delay the process of electing the Speaker of the Assembly, emphasizing that this right belongs exclusively to the largest parliamentary group - the Vetëvendosje Movement.

"We are in a new momentum. The right to elect the Speaker of the Assembly belongs to the largest parliamentary group. I call on the opposition not to delay this point as the Speaker of the Assembly belongs exclusively to VV," said Peci.

He added that it is thought that the opposition has already overcome "jealousy over losing the elections," but despite this, the ball is in their court.

"In any case, it is up to them to approve the VV proposal for the Speaker of the Assembly. Otherwise, there is no other option," he concluded.

The VV's first attempt to elect the speaker of parliament failed. Albulena Haxhiu received 57 out of the 61 votes needed.

LDK files criminal charges against government officials who exercised their mandate from March 27

Photo: Driton Pacharada

The Democratic League of Kosovo will file criminal charges against Albin Kurti as acting prime minister and Vetëvendosje deputies who have held ministerial positions, said LDK deputy Hykmete Bajrami. This, she said, is because they have held their mandate for an inadmissible period.

Bajrami said that they will continue to examine the possibilities of going to the Constitutional Court.

"The Verification Commission has recognized as factual the declarative resignations of the Prime Minister and ministers, which means that from March 27, when the elections were certified, everyone has committed a violation by exercising the function of Prime Minister and ministers. LDK will file a criminal complaint."  regarding the exercise of the mandate that they have held from March 27 until today. We have not changed our position. Initially, we will file a criminal complaint and then we will see the steps towards the Constitutional Court", she said.

Bajrami added that the LDK does not have votes for the candidates proposed by the LVV for speaker of parliament. 

Krasniqi: We saw why the blockade happened, VV doesn't have the numbers

PDK Chairman Memli Krasniqi said that the failure to elect Albulena Haxhiu as parliamentary speaker proved that the Vetëvendosje Movement has created a blockade these days because it does not have the numbers.

"The entire blockade that has been happening these days has happened because of the fact that we saw: these people don't have numbers, they had 52 votes, now they have 57 and they won't make it 61," said Krasniqi.

The VV proposal to elect Haxhiu as speaker of parliament received 57 votes. 61 are needed.

The election of Albulena Haxhiu as speaker of parliament fails

Photo: Driton Pacharada

The election of Vetëvendosje's candidate for Speaker of the Parliament, Albulena Haxhiu, has failed.

57 MPs voted in favor, 20 against, and 3 abstentions were for the candidate for Speaker of the Assembly from the Vetëvendosje Movement.

After this failure, the Speaker adjourned the Assembly.

The mandate verification report is approved and the deputies are sworn in.

Photo: Driton Pacharada

The report of the Commission for the Verification of Mandates and Quorum was approved with 119 votes in favor.

Then the deputies were sworn in.

Now on the agenda is the proposal for the election of the Speaker of Parliament.

Haradinaj: If VV proposes Bogujevci or Selimi for parliamentary speaker, AAK will vote for him

Photo: Driton Pacharada

The leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, Ramush Haradinaj, has said that if candidates from Vetëvendosje for Speaker of the Parliament, Saranda Bogujevci or Shqipe Selimi, are proposed, the AAK will vote for them.

He emphasized that the opposition has agreed to vote on the report on the verification of mandates.

"There is an agreement from the opposition to vote on the report and proceed to the swearing-in of the mayor. Personally, if these VV candidates, Saranda Bogujevci or Shqipe Selimi, were candidates for mayor, I would vote for them and AAK would vote for them," Haradinaj told the media.  

VV: The election option made the opposition change its mind

Vetevendosje MP Ilir Kërçeli said that mentioning the option of elections has made the opposition change its mind and be ready to vote on the mandate verification report. However, the option of elections was first mentioned by PDK leader Memli Krasniqi, who said that June 15 would be the ideal date if the impasse is not resolved.

"The opposition has proven that their cause was not right. It seems that the option of elections has made the opposition change its mind. Nothing different has happened than what happened on April 15," said Kërçeli.

The PDK leader previously said that the way has been cleared for the vote on the report after the prime minister and ministers submitted their individual resignations, as requested by the opposition. However, this is being denied by the VV.

Krasniqi: With the individual resignations of the Prime Minister and ministers, the way was opened for a vote on the report

PDK leader Memli Krasniqi said that the prime minister and ministers have submitted their individual resignations, as requested by the opposition, and according to him, this has paved the way for the vote on the report on the verification of mandates.

"The resignation was recorded exactly as we said, individually, in the minutes of the meeting. This has created an opportunity for us to proceed and vote on the report," Krasniqi said.

Now the deputies are expected to gather unanimously to vote on the report and then take their oath.

Work begins on compiling the new report on the verification of mandates

Photo: Driton Pacharada

The Assembly members voted with 120 votes in favor to begin drafting a new report on the verification of mandates by the same Committee.

Party representatives have gathered in a hall of the Assembly and will compile the report in 30 minutes.

The parties have agreed to vote unanimously on the report.

Haxhiu: We have agreed with all parties on the voting on the mandate verification report

Acting Minister of Justice, Albulena Haxhiu, said that in today's consultative meeting, it was agreed with all parties to unanimously vote on the report of the Commission for the Verification of Mandates.

"MPs have an obligation to vote for the verification of their mandates. We agreed that the only way out of this situation is to vote unanimously," said Haxhiu.

Mimoza Kusari-Lila explained how the session will proceed. It is expected that a vote will be taken initially to authorize the same Commission to also prepare a report on the verification of mandates.

Haradinaj ready to vote on the report on the verification of mandates

AAK Chairman Ramush Haradinaj has expressed his willingness to vote on the new report on the verification of mandates.

He said that there is no reason for the Assembly to remain deadlocked on this point.

"I am for voting, if unity is achieved within the MPs, within the opposition, I am for voting. There is no reason to remain blocked and delayed again. The opposition's goal is not to hinder the progress of the constitution of the session. For details, I will not become a spokesperson for the entire opposition, but I believe that we will support the progress," said Haradinaj.

Time Kadrijaj from AAK said that at the consultative meeting it was agreed to form a new Commission for the verification of mandates.

A new Commission for the Verification of Mandates is expected to be formed.

Photo: Driton Pacharada

A new commission for the verification of MPs' mandates will be formed, said Time Kadrijaj of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, after the consultative meeting of party representatives with the chairman of the session, Avni Dehari.

The Commission will also compile its report, which must then be approved at the constitutive session of the Assembly. 

The meeting was attended by: Mimoza Kusari Lila from Alternativa, Albulena Haxhiu from Vetëvendosje, Hykmete Bajrami from the Democratic League of Kosovo, Sala Jashari and Përparim Gruda from the Democratic Party of Kosovo, Time Kadrijaj from the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo.

Two consecutive sessions had failed due to the non-approval of the report of the Commission for the Verification of Mandates.

Krasniqi: If mandates are burned, they are burned for everyone – not just for those who voted against

The editor of the newspaper KOHA, Besnik Krasniqi, has said that if the mandates are burned, they are burned for everyone - not just for those who voted against, reacting to statements by Vetëvendosje Movement officials about the possibility of replacing the MPs who voted against the report on the verification of mandates in the April 15 session.

According to him, the report in question includes all elected deputies and, if it is considered that mandates have been burned, then this should apply to all 120 deputies of the new legislature, not just to those who voted against.

"The report speaks for all MPs. If their mandates are burned, they are not only those who voted against it, but the 120 MPs who were elected in this legislature. It makes no sense to burn only the mandates of the MPs who voted against the report," Krasniqi stressed.

According to Krasniqi, the problem is that MPs are playing the role of referee.

"The problem is that legislators are playing the role of arbitrators who do not trust an institution like the CEC that certified these deputies," he added.

Acting Minister of Finance, Hekuran Murati, previously warned that the only way to avoid elections is to replace the MPs who did not vote on the report on the verification of mandates in the April 15 session.

Murati: The only way to avoid elections is to replace the MPs who did not vote for the report

Photo: Driton Pacharada

Acting Minister of Finance, Hekuran Murati, has warned that the only way to avoid the elections is to replace the MPs who did not vote on the report on the verification of mandates in the April 15 session.

He described the vote at that session as a clear refusal by the opposition to take the mandate.

"It seems to me that some still do not understand what the opposition did on April 15. The report on the verification of mandates was put to a vote and rejected as a result of the votes of PDK, LDK, AAK and the Serbian List. The decision has already been made. The issue is put to a revote only if the first time there was no quorum for decision-making, as was the case in 2014, with only 44 MPs participating in the vote the first time," Murati wrote.

"The MPs cannot take the oath because they have refused to verify their mandates. This constitutes a rejection of the mandate and returns the process to ground zero," he added, calling the opposition's decision an unprecedented action.

Murati stressed that the country is faced with two options: either organizing new elections, or replacing the MPs who have refused the mandate.

"The only other way to avoid elections is a political agreement, where the MPs who have refused the mandate withdraw and are replaced by their colleagues from the respective lists. Such a practice has been followed previously with the MPs of the Serbian List," Murati declared.

Abdixhiku: The chairman of the session should respect the Assembly's script, not the party's

The leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo, Lumir Abdixhiku, said that the chairman of the constitutive session of the Assembly, Avni Dehari, is acting according to the script of his party, the Vetëvendosje Movement. Meanwhile, he called on him to respect the procedure as foreseen.

He added that they are open to consultations, as the president has warned, while emphasizing that "it is a shame what is happening so far."

"It is in the national interest that the institutions of Kosovo be formed and the swearing-in of the deputies begins. I call for the Constitution and procedure to be respected. I hope that the chair of this session, who happens to be the oldest and who happens to be from the leading party, will respect the scenario of the Secretariat of the Assembly and not the party scenario. If in the Assembly we act with party scenarios, we have broken the constitutional order. There is a scenario prepared by the Assembly which we respect."

Abdixhiku stated that the LDK will vote against the report on the verification of mandates until the government members have submitted their resignations.

"If they are convinced that everything is in order, let them vote. We are convinced that it is unconstitutional. We will vote against. We are not against our mandates. There are 105 deputies with regular mandates, there are only 15 whose mandates do not need to be verified because they have not resigned."

And, the elected MP of the Democratic League of Kosovo, Lutfi Haziri, said "neither the Assembly nor the Government", when asked whether they would vote for or against today in the constitutive session.

Krasniqi: Dehari should not fall under the influence of party manipulations

The leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), Memli Krasniqi, has called for the constitution of the Assembly and has asked the chairman of the constitutive session, Avni Dehari, not to be influenced by, as he called it, party manipulations.

"I invite the Speaker not to fall under the influence of party manipulations and to play his role as the first among equals, as defined by the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly, and to put the report on the verification of mandates to a vote. The scenario has been like this, and it should be like this today," Krasniqi emphasized.

He called for advancing the process of forming new institutions, demanding that all MPs participate in the vote.

"We are here to constitute the Assembly and to give direction to the formation of other institutions. Therefore, I invite all deputies to be in the hall to vote," Krasniqi declared in a statement to the media before the constitutive session on Saturday.

He criticized Dehar's decision to call for consultations again, which he said fell outside his powers.

"Again, the chairman invited consultations outside his competence, but we came to show that we are ready to move forward," he added.

Berisha does not respond to the consultative meeting, calls for protests against the increase in electricity prices

The elected MP of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, Bekë Berisha, has not responded whether his party is participating in a consultative meeting with other parties to agree on the constitutive session of the Assembly.

He responded to the media on another issue. Berisha called on citizens to protest against the increase in the price of electricity.

"Why don't you go to the ERO offices and call on all the people of Kosovo to come out and demonstrate for the electricity that they have made more expensive. We are just here to bring you a few words," he said.

Abrashi: MPs who did not vote on the report on the verification of mandates should be replaced

Photo: Driton Pacharada

Vetëvendosje Movement MP Artan Abrashi said that his colleagues who did not vote on the report of the Commission for the Verification of Mandates should be replaced by the next candidates on the lists of the respective entities.

The report on the verification of mandates did not receive enough votes on Tuesday after it was not voted on by the opposition and some of the minorities, while on Thursday it was not put to the vote at all. Today, the first attempt to pass this report will be made.

"If a deputy refuses to verify his mandate, then he has actually refused to become a representative of the citizens. Therefore, those who did not vote should be replaced by the next candidates on the lists of the respective entities, according to the results certified by the CEC," Abrashi wrote on Facebook.

He stressed that the country cannot remain in a deadlocked situation and that there are already several options to get out of this crisis.

In this context, Abrashi also mentioned the proposal of PDK leader Memli Krasniqi, who suggested June 15, 2025, for holding new elections.

"We are ready to discuss this proposal as well, but prior consultations are required. Blockade is not a solution. Let everyone declare the option they support," he added.

IKL offers the resignation model to the Parliament for each government official to sign

Photo: Driton Pacharada

The Kosovo Institute for Justice assessed that from the moment of taking the oath as an MP, under no circumstances can a person be part of the government cabinet, whether prime minister or minister.

Naim Jakaj from IKL said in a press conference that IKL has prepared a resignation letter that will be submitted to the Assembly and will be offered to each government official to sign and resign at the appropriate time.

"From the moment of taking the oath as an MP, under no circumstances can a person be part of the government cabinet, be it prime minister or minister. From the moment of taking the oath, they must submit their resignations. As for Kurti's resignation letter, it does not represent an act of resignation, the content shows that the letter indicates that he can exercise the duty of prime minister. The leadership goes to the acting deputy prime minister. The resignation letter must be clear and not create controversy. The letter must be addressed to the chairman of the speaker of parliament," said Jakaj.

Meanwhile, Melos Kolshi from the Kosovo Law Institute said that the government officials did not submit their formal resignations the day before the certification of the election results.

"IKD has continuously highlighted the uncertainties surrounding the issue of resignation and it is caused by the lack of regulation of the law. The article when the deputy wins the mandate was transferred to the Law on Government, it has become unclear. This article has failed to form clear laws. Members of the government must resign at the moment the elections are certified and must reflect. Blocking the assembly is not an alternative," said Kolshi.

Dehari invites party representatives for consultations before the start of the session

Photo: Driton Pacharada

The chairman of the constitutive session, Avni Dehari, has invited representatives of political parties to a consultative meeting at 11:30, to agree in advance on how to proceed with the constitution of the Assembly, sources told KOHĪ.

Dehari had acted similarly on Thursday. Only he invited the party representatives to the meeting after the session had begun.

Although they participated, the opposition said that the chairman does not have the mandate to convene the parties.

It is unknown whether the opposition parties will respond positively to today's invitation.

Today, for the third time, the aim will be to constitute the Assembly after the failures on Tuesday and Thursday.