Politics
Monday, March 2, 2026
Policy · Analysis · Developments
In this section
Politics
Trump confirms capture of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela
In a press conference held in the early hours of Saturday morning, United States President Donald J. Trump confirmed that Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured by US forces during a coordinated overnight operation on Venezuelan territory.
According to President Trump, the operation was the result of close cooperation between US security agencies, describing it as “necessary to restore democratic order and the rule of law in Venezuela.”
Nicolás Maduro, who has described himself as a socialist and has led Venezuela since 2013, has been at the center of international accusations for years of serious human rights violations, electoral fraud and systemic corruption.
The US administration had previously accused him of stealing the elections that kept him in power.
In March 2020, US authorities filed indictments against Maduro, accusing him of overseeing a violent drug trafficking organization known as the "Cartel de los Soles", suspected of international cocaine trafficking and collaboration with armed criminal groups.
Following the intervention, President Trump announced the creation of a Venezuelan Transitional Authority, which will be tasked with institutionally stabilizing the country, restoring basic services, and preparing for a democratic transition.
According to President Trump, the operation was the result of close cooperation between US security agencies, describing it as “necessary to restore democratic order and the rule of law in Venezuela.”
Nicolás Maduro, who has described himself as a socialist and has led Venezuela since 2013, has been at the center of international accusations for years of serious human rights violations, electoral fraud and systemic corruption.
The US administration had previously accused him of stealing the elections that kept him in power.
In March 2020, US authorities filed indictments against Maduro, accusing him of overseeing a violent drug trafficking organization known as the "Cartel de los Soles", suspected of international cocaine trafficking and collaboration with armed criminal groups.
Following the intervention, President Trump announced the creation of a Venezuelan Transitional Authority, which will be tasked with institutionally stabilizing the country, restoring basic services, and preparing for a democratic transition.
Politics
Preliminary election results
The vote counting process in the parliamentary elections in Kosovo is nearing completion, with 99.26% of the ballot boxes counted out of a total of 2,557 ballot boxes, 2,538 of which were counted.
According to preliminary data:• Vetëvendosje leads with 49.30% of the votes• PDK ranks second with 21.01%• LDK holds third place with 13.59%• AAK has won 5.68%• Srpska Lista has secured 4.74%• Nisma has received 1.72%• Others (smaller parties and initiatives) total 3.96%
The difference between the winning entity and the other parties is significant, placing Vetëvendosje in a dominant position for the formation of new institutions.
900,330 citizens, out of 1,999,204 registered voters, participated in the vote, which translates into a turnout of 45.03%. This indicates a moderate level of civic engagement, with over half of the electorate choosing not to vote.
The current results have not yet fully included envelope votes (from the diaspora) as well as conditional votes. These votes will be subject to additional verifications and will be counted in the final phase of the process.
However, given the large differences between political entities, envelope and conditional votes are not expected to change the overall ranking, but may affect small numbers or the final distribution of mandates.
After the completion of the counting of envelope and conditional votes, the official certification of the results is expected, to pave the way for the distribution of mandates in the Assembly and the formation of the new government.
According to preliminary data:• Vetëvendosje leads with 49.30% of the votes• PDK ranks second with 21.01%• LDK holds third place with 13.59%• AAK has won 5.68%• Srpska Lista has secured 4.74%• Nisma has received 1.72%• Others (smaller parties and initiatives) total 3.96%
The difference between the winning entity and the other parties is significant, placing Vetëvendosje in a dominant position for the formation of new institutions.
900,330 citizens, out of 1,999,204 registered voters, participated in the vote, which translates into a turnout of 45.03%. This indicates a moderate level of civic engagement, with over half of the electorate choosing not to vote.
The current results have not yet fully included envelope votes (from the diaspora) as well as conditional votes. These votes will be subject to additional verifications and will be counted in the final phase of the process.
However, given the large differences between political entities, envelope and conditional votes are not expected to change the overall ranking, but may affect small numbers or the final distribution of mandates.
After the completion of the counting of envelope and conditional votes, the official certification of the results is expected, to pave the way for the distribution of mandates in the Assembly and the formation of the new government.
Politics
AAK formalizes the list of 110 candidates for the December 28 elections: "The Alliance, by your side"
Kryetari i Aleancës për Ardhmërinë e Kosovës, Ramush Haradinaj, ka konfirmuar sot listën e plotë të kandidatëve për deputetë me të cilët AAK do të garojë në zgjedhjet e përgjithshme të 28 dhjetorit 2025. Në këto zgjedhje, Aleanca do të paraqitet me numrin 129 në fletëvotim.
Kryetari i Aleancës për Ardhmërinë e Kosovës, Ramush Haradinaj, ka konfirmuar sot listën e plotë të kandidatëve për deputetë me të cilët AAK do të garojë në zgjedhjet e përgjithshme të 28 dhjetorit 2025. Në këto zgjedhje, Aleanca do të paraqitet me numrin 129 në fletëvotim.
Ai sqaroi se procesi i radhitjes në listë është zhvilluar në bazë të një formule të drejtë dhe transparente, ku një e treta e kandidatëve janë renditur sipas rezultatit të zgjedhjeve të kaluara, ndërsa për dy të tretat e mbetura është tërhequr shorti, sipas vendimit të Këshillit Drejtues të AAK-së.
“Secili dhe secila në këtë listë e ka vlerën e vet dhe meriton votën e qytetarëve të Kosovës,” shtoi Haradinaj, duke nënvizuar se lista përfaqëson një kombinim të përvojës politike, profesionalizmit dhe energjisë së re që i duhet institucioneve të vendit.
Në krye të listës së Aleancës qëndron vetë Ramush Haradinaj, pasuar nga figura të njohura të partisë dhe të skenës politike kosovare:
Këta kandidatë përfaqësojnë një përzierje të përvojës politike me energjinë e brezit të ri, duke pasqyruar ambicien e Aleancës për të ndërtuar institucione të forta, të qëndrueshme dhe në shërbim të qytetarit.
Kryetari i Aleancës për Ardhmërinë e Kosovës, Ramush Haradinaj, ka konfirmuar sot listën e plotë të kandidatëve për deputetë me të cilët AAK do të garojë në zgjedhjet e përgjithshme të 28 dhjetorit 2025. Në këto zgjedhje, Aleanca do të paraqitet me numrin 129 në fletëvotim.
Ai sqaroi se procesi i radhitjes në listë është zhvilluar në bazë të një formule të drejtë dhe transparente, ku një e treta e kandidatëve janë renditur sipas rezultatit të zgjedhjeve të kaluara, ndërsa për dy të tretat e mbetura është tërhequr shorti, sipas vendimit të Këshillit Drejtues të AAK-së.
“Secili dhe secila në këtë listë e ka vlerën e vet dhe meriton votën e qytetarëve të Kosovës,” shtoi Haradinaj, duke nënvizuar se lista përfaqëson një kombinim të përvojës politike, profesionalizmit dhe energjisë së re që i duhet institucioneve të vendit.
Në krye të listës së Aleancës qëndron vetë Ramush Haradinaj, pasuar nga figura të njohura të partisë dhe të skenës politike kosovare:
- Ramush Haradinaj
- Besnik Tahiri
- Time Kadrijaj
- Bekë Berisha
- Arbër Tolaj
- Albana Bytyqi
- Pal Lekaj
- Gani Dreshaj
- Diellza Kukaj
- Agim Çeku
Këta kandidatë përfaqësojnë një përzierje të përvojës politike me energjinë e brezit të ri, duke pasqyruar ambicien e Aleancës për të ndërtuar institucione të forta, të qëndrueshme dhe në shërbim të qytetarit.
More headlines
0607080910
Democratic Party of Kosovo Presents Candidates for the New Assembly
Partia Demokratike e Kosovës (PDK) ka përmbyllur sot procesin e përzgjedhjes së listës zyrtare me 110 kandidatë për deputetë, me të cilët do të garojë në zgjedhjet e përgjithshme të 28 dhjetorit 2025, ku partia do të ketë në fletëvotim numrin 130.
Sipas njoftimit zyrtar, lista përfaqëson një kombinim të energjinë së re, përvojës institucionale dhe përfaqësimit të gjerë rajonal, duke reflektuar qasjen e PDK-së për një Kosovë të zhvilluar dhe të udhëhequr nga profesionalizmi.
Mbi 50 kandidatë janë pjesë e listës për herë të parë, çka sipas partisë sjell frymë të re, ide moderne dhe profesionalizëm në politikë.Po ashtu, në listë janë përfshirë 37 gra kandidate, duke tejkaluar ndjeshëm kuotën ligjore gjinore dhe duke dëshmuar angazhimin e PDK-së për përfaqësim të barabartë dhe gjithëpërfshirës.
PDK thekson se të gjitha komunat e Kosovës janë të përfaqësuara në listë, duke garantuar që çdo qytetar, rajon dhe komunitet të ketë zërin e vet në Kuvend.
Kandidatët vijnë nga fusha të ndryshme të shoqërisë – profesorë, doktorë, ekonomistë, gazetarë, diplomatë, juristë, inxhinierë, ekspertë sigurie, sipërmarrës dhe profesionistë të tjerë, të cilët përfaqësojnë kompetencë dhe integritet.
“Me këtë listë të balancuar dhe të fuqishme, PDK hyn në garë me bindjen se Kosova meriton qeverisje të përgjegjshme, të aftë dhe të orientuar drejt rezultateve,” thuhet në deklaratën e partisë.
Partia Demokratike e Kosovës ka bërë të ditur se është gati për fitore dhe më 28 dhjetor kërkon besimin e qytetarëve me numrin 130 në fletëvotim.
Sipas njoftimit zyrtar, lista përfaqëson një kombinim të energjinë së re, përvojës institucionale dhe përfaqësimit të gjerë rajonal, duke reflektuar qasjen e PDK-së për një Kosovë të zhvilluar dhe të udhëhequr nga profesionalizmi.
Mbi 50 kandidatë janë pjesë e listës për herë të parë, çka sipas partisë sjell frymë të re, ide moderne dhe profesionalizëm në politikë.Po ashtu, në listë janë përfshirë 37 gra kandidate, duke tejkaluar ndjeshëm kuotën ligjore gjinore dhe duke dëshmuar angazhimin e PDK-së për përfaqësim të barabartë dhe gjithëpërfshirës.
PDK thekson se të gjitha komunat e Kosovës janë të përfaqësuara në listë, duke garantuar që çdo qytetar, rajon dhe komunitet të ketë zërin e vet në Kuvend.
Kandidatët vijnë nga fusha të ndryshme të shoqërisë – profesorë, doktorë, ekonomistë, gazetarë, diplomatë, juristë, inxhinierë, ekspertë sigurie, sipërmarrës dhe profesionistë të tjerë, të cilët përfaqësojnë kompetencë dhe integritet.
“Me këtë listë të balancuar dhe të fuqishme, PDK hyn në garë me bindjen se Kosova meriton qeverisje të përgjegjshme, të aftë dhe të orientuar drejt rezultateve,” thuhet në deklaratën e partisë.
Partia Demokratike e Kosovës ka bërë të ditur se është gati për fitore dhe më 28 dhjetor kërkon besimin e qytetarëve me numrin 130 në fletëvotim.
PDK with new leadership: Hamza promises a more open and united party
The Democratic Party of Kosovo has today elected Bedri Hamza as the new party leader at its 12th Electoral Convention.
On this occasion, Bedri Hamza thanked the Convention delegates for their trust and support, emphasizing his commitment to leading the party towards new victories and strengthening its position as a joint political force.
"Today you gave me a great responsibility, an extraordinary honor and a task that I accept with full honor and dedication. Thanks to your work, sacrifice and trust, PDK continues to be our common home," said Hamza.
The new leader emphasized that Kosovo needs a united PDK with a clear vision, announcing that the party will open up to every citizen of the country, especially the youth, who will have an important place in decision-making and in the political processes of the country. Party.
Bedri Hamza took over the leadership of PDK after the resignation of Memli Krasniqi, who led the party for 4 years and 4 months. In his speech to the delegates, Krasniqi expressed gratitude for the trust and cooperation, summarizing the period of leadership with a significant resurgence of PDK.
"For more than 20 years, PDK has been my political home. Today's Kosovo bears the signature of PDK's contributions in the most important historical moments. It is a great honor to have led a party that has written glorious pages in the history of our country",
"When I took over, PDK was at a crossroads. Today, we are united and strong. But this is just the beginning. A united PDK is an unstoppable PDK", he emphasized, calling for the unity and return of all those who identify with the party's values.
On this occasion, Bedri Hamza thanked the Convention delegates for their trust and support, emphasizing his commitment to leading the party towards new victories and strengthening its position as a joint political force.
"Today you gave me a great responsibility, an extraordinary honor and a task that I accept with full honor and dedication. Thanks to your work, sacrifice and trust, PDK continues to be our common home," said Hamza.
The new leader emphasized that Kosovo needs a united PDK with a clear vision, announcing that the party will open up to every citizen of the country, especially the youth, who will have an important place in decision-making and in the political processes of the country. Party.
Bedri Hamza took over the leadership of PDK after the resignation of Memli Krasniqi, who led the party for 4 years and 4 months. In his speech to the delegates, Krasniqi expressed gratitude for the trust and cooperation, summarizing the period of leadership with a significant resurgence of PDK.
"For more than 20 years, PDK has been my political home. Today's Kosovo bears the signature of PDK's contributions in the most important historical moments. It is a great honor to have led a party that has written glorious pages in the history of our country",
"When I took over, PDK was at a crossroads. Today, we are united and strong. But this is just the beginning. A united PDK is an unstoppable PDK", he emphasized, calling for the unity and return of all those who identify with the party's values.
Rama: "Go out, vote for a Pristina that works, that unites and that doesn't stop."
The election rally of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) in Pristina was held in an enthusiastic atmosphere, with a wide participation of citizens and party supporters. The purpose of the rally was to reinforce the message of continuity of work in the capital and support for a second term of the current mayor, Përparim Rama. At this event, the LDK leader, Lumir Abdixhiku, and Përparim Rama himself spoke, who gave two speeches full of emotions, arguments and strong political messages.
In his speech, Lumir Abdixhiku emphasized that “Prishtina is with the LDK and with Përparim Rama”, underlining that over the past four years, the capital has experienced development and transformation under Rama’s leadership. He accused the central government of lack of cooperation and of deliberate blockades of Pristina projects, citing cases where capital investments have been rejected or delayed. Abdixhiku presented the LDK as a force that represents the citizenship, wisdom and political morality that Kosovo has lacked for years. He said that the LDK and Pristina are rising together in a new civic spirit that chooses work over words, culture over arrogance and stability over division. In the end, he invited citizens to vote for the continuation of the work, calling this “a vote for citizenship and for Pristina moving forward”. Meanwhile, Përparim Rama gave a warm and sincere speech, filled with emotions and calls for civic mobilization. He spoke about the work accomplished during his mandate, mentioning the “Prishtina.work” platform as evidence of transparency and fulfillment of promises. Rama described the daily challenges and institutional blockades, but emphasized that he has not stopped and will not stop, because the love for the city is stronger than any obstacle. He urged citizens to turn out in large numbers to vote for “work, vision and love for Pristina” on Sunday.
In his speech, Rama presented a clear vision for the future: a modern, functional, digital and green Pristina, with clean air and equality for all. He stressed that the capital is already on the world map through cultural events, concerts and international conferences, and that this momentum must continue. His speech ended with a powerful call: “Don’t vote for the blockade, vote for work and cooperation for our beloved city. Go out, vote for a Pristina that works, unites and does not stop.”
The event ended with long applause and a symbolic moment when Përparim Rama invited Lumir Abdixhiku to the stage. Rama, for his part, thanked the citizens for their continued love and support, concluding with the words: "Love, love for Pristina, for our city and for the future that we build together."
In his speech, Lumir Abdixhiku emphasized that “Prishtina is with the LDK and with Përparim Rama”, underlining that over the past four years, the capital has experienced development and transformation under Rama’s leadership. He accused the central government of lack of cooperation and of deliberate blockades of Pristina projects, citing cases where capital investments have been rejected or delayed. Abdixhiku presented the LDK as a force that represents the citizenship, wisdom and political morality that Kosovo has lacked for years. He said that the LDK and Pristina are rising together in a new civic spirit that chooses work over words, culture over arrogance and stability over division. In the end, he invited citizens to vote for the continuation of the work, calling this “a vote for citizenship and for Pristina moving forward”. Meanwhile, Përparim Rama gave a warm and sincere speech, filled with emotions and calls for civic mobilization. He spoke about the work accomplished during his mandate, mentioning the “Prishtina.work” platform as evidence of transparency and fulfillment of promises. Rama described the daily challenges and institutional blockades, but emphasized that he has not stopped and will not stop, because the love for the city is stronger than any obstacle. He urged citizens to turn out in large numbers to vote for “work, vision and love for Pristina” on Sunday.
In his speech, Rama presented a clear vision for the future: a modern, functional, digital and green Pristina, with clean air and equality for all. He stressed that the capital is already on the world map through cultural events, concerts and international conferences, and that this momentum must continue. His speech ended with a powerful call: “Don’t vote for the blockade, vote for work and cooperation for our beloved city. Go out, vote for a Pristina that works, unites and does not stop.”
The event ended with long applause and a symbolic moment when Përparim Rama invited Lumir Abdixhiku to the stage. Rama, for his part, thanked the citizens for their continued love and support, concluding with the words: "Love, love for Pristina, for our city and for the future that we build together."
Voting to form new government ends without majority
The mandate for the formation of the Government of Kosovo, Albin Kurti 3, has not managed to obtain the necessary votes to create the new government cabinet. In today's session of the Kosovo Assembly, Kurti and the cabinet he proposed received 56 votes in favor, 52 against and 4 abstentions, thus remaining below the required threshold of 61 votes for the approval of the Government.
In the absence of a new government, the country may face early elections, if a new agreement is not reached between the parliamentary parties within the legal deadlines.
In the absence of a new government, the country may face early elections, if a new agreement is not reached between the parliamentary parties within the legal deadlines.
The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its support for the NATO-led peacekeeping mission in Kosovo.
The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its support for the NATO-led peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, extending its commitment until at least December 2028.
The British Armed Forces will continue to maintain a reserve force of several hundred troops ready to deploy to the KFOR mission at short notice, strengthening Britain's long-standing role in stabilising the Western Balkans region.
Britain has contributed to KFOR since the mission was established in 1999, following NATO's intervention aimed at preventing a humanitarian catastrophe in Kosovo.
According to the British government, this extension is part of the UK's "NATO first" strategy, set out in the Strategic Defence Review, and also aims to enhance security across the Balkans. Western.
“The UK’s commitment to peace and security in the Western Balkans is unwavering. By extending our support for the NATO Force in Kosovo, we demonstrate our role as a key NATO ally and stand by our values of stability and democracy. Cooperation with our partners in the Western Balkans is essential, not only for regional stability, but also for our national security.” Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
The announcement also strengthens the UK's cooperation with the Western Balkans countries, in the framework of the "Western Balkans Leaders' Summit" being held in London, with the aim of strengthening the partnership in the areas of security and irregular migration.
Defence Minister, Al Carns, also added:
"Our troops have carried out hundreds of missions over the decades in support of KFOR, and this extension of our commitment will help keep Kosovo and the Western Balkans safer. Peacekeeping is a vital part of our commitment to keeping Britain safe at home and strong abroad, and I want to thank the hundreds of British soldiers who remain ready to act for the security of the UK and Europe."
In the years Recently, Britain has supported KFOR's Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, to ensure that mission commanders in Kosovo have a full picture of the situation on the ground.The British contribution to this mission is funded through the Integrated Security Fund, which involves several government departments and is in line with national security priorities.
Currently, over 30 countries contribute troops to KFOR – including Italy, Turkey, Poland, the United States and the United Kingdom – making the mission a key pillar of security in Kosovo and the wider Western Balkans.
The British Armed Forces will continue to maintain a reserve force of several hundred troops ready to deploy to the KFOR mission at short notice, strengthening Britain's long-standing role in stabilising the Western Balkans region.
Britain has contributed to KFOR since the mission was established in 1999, following NATO's intervention aimed at preventing a humanitarian catastrophe in Kosovo.
According to the British government, this extension is part of the UK's "NATO first" strategy, set out in the Strategic Defence Review, and also aims to enhance security across the Balkans. Western.
“The UK’s commitment to peace and security in the Western Balkans is unwavering. By extending our support for the NATO Force in Kosovo, we demonstrate our role as a key NATO ally and stand by our values of stability and democracy. Cooperation with our partners in the Western Balkans is essential, not only for regional stability, but also for our national security.” Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
The announcement also strengthens the UK's cooperation with the Western Balkans countries, in the framework of the "Western Balkans Leaders' Summit" being held in London, with the aim of strengthening the partnership in the areas of security and irregular migration.
Defence Minister, Al Carns, also added:
"Our troops have carried out hundreds of missions over the decades in support of KFOR, and this extension of our commitment will help keep Kosovo and the Western Balkans safer. Peacekeeping is a vital part of our commitment to keeping Britain safe at home and strong abroad, and I want to thank the hundreds of British soldiers who remain ready to act for the security of the UK and Europe."
In the years Recently, Britain has supported KFOR's Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, to ensure that mission commanders in Kosovo have a full picture of the situation on the ground.The British contribution to this mission is funded through the Integrated Security Fund, which involves several government departments and is in line with national security priorities.
Currently, over 30 countries contribute troops to KFOR – including Italy, Turkey, Poland, the United States and the United Kingdom – making the mission a key pillar of security in Kosovo and the wider Western Balkans.