Politics
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
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Politics
Mayor of Pristina: "Protecting the values of the KLA is a national issue, beyond political parties"
The Mayor of Pristina, Përparim Rama, has stated that the protection of the values of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) should not be seen as a political issue, but as a national obligation that belongs to all citizens of Kosovo.
In a public statement, Rama emphasized that since the beginning of his mandate, four years ago, the Municipality of Pristina has created the Sector for Issues of Categories Emerging from the KLA War, which is led by a former veteran and has the mission of representing and protecting the rights of war veterans.
“Protecting the values of the Kosovo Liberation Army is an issue that belongs to all of us, beyond political parties,” Rama emphasized.
“Within my cabinet, we created a sector dedicated to serving KLA veterans. We are the only municipality in Kosovo that we have done this,” he added. Rama stressed that this initiative is not related to recent political developments, but is a continuous and institutional commitment to preserving the legacy of the liberation war and respecting the contribution of those who sacrificed for the country's freedom. “It is not a matter of the last few days, it is not a political matter. It is a bigger matter, a national matter,” Rama concluded.
In a public statement, Rama emphasized that since the beginning of his mandate, four years ago, the Municipality of Pristina has created the Sector for Issues of Categories Emerging from the KLA War, which is led by a former veteran and has the mission of representing and protecting the rights of war veterans.
“Protecting the values of the Kosovo Liberation Army is an issue that belongs to all of us, beyond political parties,” Rama emphasized.
“Within my cabinet, we created a sector dedicated to serving KLA veterans. We are the only municipality in Kosovo that we have done this,” he added. Rama stressed that this initiative is not related to recent political developments, but is a continuous and institutional commitment to preserving the legacy of the liberation war and respecting the contribution of those who sacrificed for the country's freedom. “It is not a matter of the last few days, it is not a political matter. It is a bigger matter, a national matter,” Rama concluded.
Politics
US suspends Strategic Dialogue with Kosovo
Pristina, September 12, 2025 — The United States announced on Friday that it has indefinitely suspended the Strategic Dialogue with Kosovo, citing government actions that have increased tensions and undermined stability.
“We remain committed to advancing the shared interests of the United States and the people of Kosovo. Our relationship with Kosovo is based on a shared goal: strengthening peace and stability as a basis for mutual economic prosperity,” the statement said.
The Strategic Dialogue was designed to deepen economic and diplomatic ties between the two countries, providing a framework for cooperation in the areas of governance, trade, and security. Its indefinite suspension constitutes a setback in bilateral relations at a delicate political moment for Kosovo.
“We remain committed to advancing the shared interests of the United States and the people of Kosovo. Our relationship with Kosovo is based on a shared goal: strengthening peace and stability as a basis for mutual economic prosperity,” the statement said.
The Strategic Dialogue was designed to deepen economic and diplomatic ties between the two countries, providing a framework for cooperation in the areas of governance, trade, and security. Its indefinite suspension constitutes a setback in bilateral relations at a delicate political moment for Kosovo.
Politics
Kosovo Assembly elects Dimal Basha as leader
After a six-month period of institutional paralysis, the Kosovo Assembly has elected Dimal Basha, a deputy from the Vetëvendosje Movement, as its Speaker. In the decisive vote, Basha received 73 votes in favor, 30 against, and 3 abstentions.
The majority necessary for his election was achieved through the votes of Vetëvendosje deputies, a part of PDK, Alliance, and non-majority communities.
Earlier, Vetëvendosje had tried with several other candidacies, including Albulena Haxhiu, Donika Gërvalla, Hekuran Murati, and Arbërie Nagavci, but none of them had managed to secure a majority.
With Basha's election on the second attempt, the process of constituting the Assembly was unblocked, ending the crisis that had held the country's highest legislative institution hostage for six months.
The majority necessary for his election was achieved through the votes of Vetëvendosje deputies, a part of PDK, Alliance, and non-majority communities.
Earlier, Vetëvendosje had tried with several other candidacies, including Albulena Haxhiu, Donika Gërvalla, Hekuran Murati, and Arbërie Nagavci, but none of them had managed to secure a majority.
With Basha's election on the second attempt, the process of constituting the Assembly was unblocked, ending the crisis that had held the country's highest legislative institution hostage for six months.
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Hajrulla Çeku is officially Vetevendosje's candidate for mayor of Pristina
The Vetëvendosje Movement today officially announced Hajrulla Çeku as its candidate for mayor of Pristina, following the decision of the party's Central Council in the capital.
"It is an honor and a responsibility that I take with all my dedication," Çeku declared, after the officialization of the candidacy. According to him, this is not just a formal step, but a clear commitment to a new direction for the capital.
He emphasized that he aims for a functioning Pristina that develops sustainably and that the focus of his campaign will be efficient governance, citizen involvement and improvement of public services.
"It is an honor and a responsibility that I take with all my dedication," Çeku declared, after the officialization of the candidacy. According to him, this is not just a formal step, but a clear commitment to a new direction for the capital.
He emphasized that he aims for a functioning Pristina that develops sustainably and that the focus of his campaign will be efficient governance, citizen involvement and improvement of public services.
PDK formalizes 31 candidates for mayor in the October 12 elections
The Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) has today approved the final list of candidates for mayors, confirming participation in 36 municipalities in the local elections on October 12. The decision was made during the regular meeting of the PDK Presidency, which discussed political developments in the country and preparations for the local elections.
The PDK has expressed its concern about the political situation following the expiration of the 30-day deadline set by the Constitutional Court for the constitution of the Assembly of Kosovo. The party assesses that the country is facing a dangerous constitutional and institutional vacuum, leaving Kosovo uncertain both domestically and internationally. PDK announced that it will await the Constitutional Court's verdict on the request submitted by its deputies, in the hope that the path towards the establishment of new and legitimate institutions will be clarified. By entering the local elections with a broad mobilization, PDK aims not only to preserve the municipalities where it currently governs, but also to gain leadership of other strategic municipalities. The final list of 31 candidates for mayors has been drafted in accordance with the party's statute and internal regulations, while a secret ballot was held in some branches to select the candidate.
The final list of PDK candidates for mayors is as follows:
The PDK has expressed its concern about the political situation following the expiration of the 30-day deadline set by the Constitutional Court for the constitution of the Assembly of Kosovo. The party assesses that the country is facing a dangerous constitutional and institutional vacuum, leaving Kosovo uncertain both domestically and internationally. PDK announced that it will await the Constitutional Court's verdict on the request submitted by its deputies, in the hope that the path towards the establishment of new and legitimate institutions will be clarified. By entering the local elections with a broad mobilization, PDK aims not only to preserve the municipalities where it currently governs, but also to gain leadership of other strategic municipalities. The final list of 31 candidates for mayors has been drafted in accordance with the party's statute and internal regulations, while a secret ballot was held in some branches to select the candidate.
The final list of PDK candidates for mayors is as follows:
- Prishtina – Uran Ismaili
- Ferizaj – Agim Aliu
- Prizren – Shaqir Totaj
- Mitrovicë – Arian Tahiri
- Vushtrri – Ferit Idrizi
- Skenderaj – Sami Lushtaku
- Drenas – Petrit Hajdari
- Kaçanik – Sabedin Vishi
- Hani i Elezit – Mehmet Ballazhi
- Gjilan – Riad Rashiti
- Peja – Arta Nallbani
- Gjakova – Ervin Shabani
- Klina – Sokol Bashota
- Lipjan – Shukri Buja
- Shtime – Përparim Ramusa
- Dragash – Shaban Shabani
- Malishevo – Gëzim Krasniqi
- Rahovec – Edon Cana
- Suharekë – Dardan Berisha
- Podujevo – Isak Shabani
- Fushë Kosovo – Rrahim Terrnava
- Kamenica – Jona Arifi
- Viti – Bekim Azizi
- Istog – Ali Nimanaj
- Deçan – Korab Mushkolaj
- Zubin Potok – Izmir Zeqiri
- Zveçan – Ilir Peci
- Mitrovica e Vetur – Flutura Hamza
- Leposaviq – Shaqir Hetemi
- Shtërpcë – Garip Sahiti
- Novobërdë – Selatin Nuhiu
The last session of the Assembly fails, while the constitutional deadline set by the Court also ends
The Kosovo Assembly has failed to be constituted even after 54 sessions. The Vetëvendosje Movement, which emerged as the largest party in the February elections, has repeatedly nominated Albulena Haxhiu for the post, insisting on holding the vote through a secret procedure. However, opposition parties have opposed both Haxhiu's candidacy and the voting method.
This session also marked the end of the deadline set by the Constitutional Court, which had ruled that if the Assembly was not constituted by July 26, all MPs would be suspended from all parliamentary activities from July 27 to August 8. This decision was taken with the aim of protecting the constitutional order and avoiding a prolonged institutional blockade.
Without a clear path, early elections are expected to be called, potentially after the local elections scheduled for October 12, 2025. Such a development would also affect the process of electing the new President of Kosovo, whose mandate ends in early 2026.
This session also marked the end of the deadline set by the Constitutional Court, which had ruled that if the Assembly was not constituted by July 26, all MPs would be suspended from all parliamentary activities from July 27 to August 8. This decision was taken with the aim of protecting the constitutional order and avoiding a prolonged institutional blockade.
Without a clear path, early elections are expected to be called, potentially after the local elections scheduled for October 12, 2025. Such a development would also affect the process of electing the new President of Kosovo, whose mandate ends in early 2026.
Today is the 47th attempt to constitute and unblock the Parliament.
The Kosovo Assembly remains mired in an unprecedented institutional deadlock, four months after the general elections held in February 2025. Despite 46 attempts, the Assembly has yet to be constituted. The Vetëvendosje Movement, which emerged as the largest party in the February elections, has repeatedly nominated Albulena Haxhiu for the post, insisting on holding the vote through a secret procedure. However, a united front of opposition parties has opposed both Haxhiu's candidacy and the secret ballot method, raising concerns about the constitutionality of this practice.
The Constitutional Court has intervened, setting a deadline for the constitution of the Assembly until July 26, but without specifying the consequences in case of non-compliance with this deadline. More worryingly, the country risks losing significant financial support from the European Union due to the lack of a constituted Assembly to ratify the relevant agreements. Meanwhile, the incumbent government continues to function with a technical mandate and without the oversight of the Assembly.
Without a clear path to consensus, political analysts believe that new parliamentary elections are becoming increasingly inevitable. If the deadlock continues beyond the end of July, early elections are expected to be called, potentially after the local elections scheduled for October 12, 2025. Such a development would also affect the process of electing a new President of Kosovo, whose mandate ends in early 2026. International partners have repeatedly expressed their deep concern about the prolonged institutional deadlock.
The Constitutional Court has intervened, setting a deadline for the constitution of the Assembly until July 26, but without specifying the consequences in case of non-compliance with this deadline. More worryingly, the country risks losing significant financial support from the European Union due to the lack of a constituted Assembly to ratify the relevant agreements. Meanwhile, the incumbent government continues to function with a technical mandate and without the oversight of the Assembly.
Without a clear path to consensus, political analysts believe that new parliamentary elections are becoming increasingly inevitable. If the deadlock continues beyond the end of July, early elections are expected to be called, potentially after the local elections scheduled for October 12, 2025. Such a development would also affect the process of electing a new President of Kosovo, whose mandate ends in early 2026. International partners have repeatedly expressed their deep concern about the prolonged institutional deadlock.
LDK presents the electoral team for the local elections of October 12
The Leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo, Lumir Abdixhiku, in a press conference after the meeting of the LDK Presidency, announced that the party has unanimously voted and formalized its team for the local elections to be held on October 12, 2025.
"After an internal consultative process, built on trust and unity, LDK comes before the citizens with the best it has. This team represents our knowledge, vision and commitment to the development of the country's municipalities," declared Abdixhiku.
He emphasized that part of the team are proven figures who have restored trust in governance and have brought concrete development projects to their municipalities, as well as new energies that bring the passion for change and the willingness to take responsibility.
The LDK team for the local elections includes these mayoral candidates municipalities:
Abdixhiku announced that in the coming days, candidates for Malisheva, Klina, Kamenica and Kaçanik will be presented, as well as the list of over 994 local councilors with whom LDK will compete in all municipalities will be finalized.
"With this team and with the support of our citizens, LDK is ready. Let's restore responsibility, let's restore hope. Let's win!", Abdixhiku concluded his statement.
The local elections on October 12 are seen as an important test for all parties, while LDK aims to restore the municipalities key and increase its power at the local level, promising transparency and development for citizens.
"After an internal consultative process, built on trust and unity, LDK comes before the citizens with the best it has. This team represents our knowledge, vision and commitment to the development of the country's municipalities," declared Abdixhiku.
He emphasized that part of the team are proven figures who have restored trust in governance and have brought concrete development projects to their municipalities, as well as new energies that bring the passion for change and the willingness to take responsibility.
The LDK team for the local elections includes these mayoral candidates municipalities:
- Përparim Rama – Prishtina
- Imri Ahmeti – Lipjan
- Xhafer Gashi – Obiliq
- Besnik Osmani – Fushë Kosovo
- Ekrem Hyseni – Podujevë
- Gazmend Heta – Drenas
- Xhafer Tahiri – Vushtrri
- Gëzim Plakolli – Mitrovica
- Gazmend Muhaxheri – Peja
- Ilir Ferati – Istog
- Bexhet Xheladini – Dragash
- Driton Selmanaj – Prizren
- Ardian Shala – Suhareka
- Visar Azemi – Ferizaj
- Kastriot Shabani – Shtime
- Valmir Ahmeti – Shtërpcë
- Sokol Haliti – Viti
- Arbër Ismajli – Gjilan
- Bajrush Ymeri – Novobërdë
- Ruzhdi Shehu – Junik
- Shefqet Shehu – Gjakova
- Jeton Mushkolaj – Deçan
- Burim Krasniqi – Rahovec
Abdixhiku announced that in the coming days, candidates for Malisheva, Klina, Kamenica and Kaçanik will be presented, as well as the list of over 994 local councilors with whom LDK will compete in all municipalities will be finalized.
"With this team and with the support of our citizens, LDK is ready. Let's restore responsibility, let's restore hope. Let's win!", Abdixhiku concluded his statement.
The local elections on October 12 are seen as an important test for all parties, while LDK aims to restore the municipalities key and increase its power at the local level, promising transparency and development for citizens.