Swearing-in of new deputies in Kosovo canceled
Kosovo Assembly Swearing-In Session Disrupted by Political Dispute
The Kosovo Assembly session, where newly elected deputies were scheduled to be sworn in, was thrown into chaos as a political dispute erupted. The session began at noon as planned, with a temporary parliamentary commission in place to verify the credentials of the elected deputies.
However, the Kosovo Democratic Party (PDK), Kosovo Democratic Union (LDK), Serbian List, and Kosovo for the future of the alliance (AAK) political parties, along with Prime Minister Albin Kurtti and his ministers, refused to swear in as deputies without resigning from their current positions. Despite two attempts to vote on the matter, the report prepared by the Commission was not accepted.
In response to these developments, the president of the Assembly decided to cancel the session and seek guidance from the president on how to proceed. Prime Minister Kurdti condemned the actions of the opposing parties, accusing them of attacking the Republic of Kosovo and undermining the democratic election process.
Chairman Lumir Abdixhiku accused Prime Minister Kurtti of intentionally obstructing the swearing-in process, stating that both the Prime Minister and his ministers were ineligible to participate in the session.
Once the disputed report is approved, the swearing-in of deputies, election of the Speaker of the Assembly, and formation of a new government can proceed with a confidence vote. The official election results from February 9 showed a distribution of seats in the 120-seat parliament, with Vetevendosje winning 48 seats, PDK 24, LDK 20, and AAK/Nisma 8. Additional parliamentary seats were allocated to non-majority communities, including the Serbian List with 9 seats, among others.
A total of 61 votes are needed in the Assembly to establish a new government in Kosovo. The political situation remains tense as parties continue to clash over the swearing-in process and the formation of the new government.
