Politics
Saturday, July 18, 2026
Politics · Analysis · Developments
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
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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.
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Politics
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.
Politics
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.
Politics
LDK leader: "Let's try unity. It might not be so bad"
Pristina, June 9, 2025 – On the eve of the 29th session of the Assembly, the leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo has reiterated his call for the creation of a Unity Government, emphasizing that the political crisis that has been going on for more than three months should be treated as an opportunity for cooperation and collective responsibility.
“Amidst the party battles that do not match anywhere, one truth clearly shouts to us: no one, after three months, has a majority,” he said. “Therefore, the 29th attempt will end without an epilogue – only as a prologue to the next one.”In his public statement, the LDK leader made a direct appeal to the leaders of Vetëvendosje, PDK, AAK and Nisma to seriously return to the proposal for the creation of an inclusive government.
“I continue to repeat my call to the leaders… to return to my proposal for a Unity Government. To evaluate it carefully.” Emphasizing the need for dialogue and compromise, he expressed his belief that a common solution is possible. “I continue to believe that we can sit down, talk and agree on a common solution. This crisis can serve as an opportunity for us.”
As a concrete step towards this goal, he announced that during this week he will present a 15-point Agenda, as a cooperation platform for all parties, without exception. “After finalizing the internal consultations, I will come up with a 15-point Agenda – a concrete cooperation platform for the Unity Government.” In the statement, the LDK leader also provided an in-depth reflection on the country’s democratic functioning. He underlined that before any opposition balancing, the country needs a consolidated position and functioning institutions.
“Yes, Kosovo needs an opposition. Yes, Kosovo needs a democratic balance. But before both, Kosovo needs a position – a legitimate government, a functional Assembly, a working state.” Concluding on a realistic but hopeful tone, he stressed the need to break the cycle of political deadlock. "Let's try unity. It might not be so bad."
“Amidst the party battles that do not match anywhere, one truth clearly shouts to us: no one, after three months, has a majority,” he said. “Therefore, the 29th attempt will end without an epilogue – only as a prologue to the next one.”In his public statement, the LDK leader made a direct appeal to the leaders of Vetëvendosje, PDK, AAK and Nisma to seriously return to the proposal for the creation of an inclusive government.
“I continue to repeat my call to the leaders… to return to my proposal for a Unity Government. To evaluate it carefully.” Emphasizing the need for dialogue and compromise, he expressed his belief that a common solution is possible. “I continue to believe that we can sit down, talk and agree on a common solution. This crisis can serve as an opportunity for us.”
As a concrete step towards this goal, he announced that during this week he will present a 15-point Agenda, as a cooperation platform for all parties, without exception. “After finalizing the internal consultations, I will come up with a 15-point Agenda – a concrete cooperation platform for the Unity Government.” In the statement, the LDK leader also provided an in-depth reflection on the country’s democratic functioning. He underlined that before any opposition balancing, the country needs a consolidated position and functioning institutions.
“Yes, Kosovo needs an opposition. Yes, Kosovo needs a democratic balance. But before both, Kosovo needs a position – a legitimate government, a functional Assembly, a working state.” Concluding on a realistic but hopeful tone, he stressed the need to break the cycle of political deadlock. "Let's try unity. It might not be so bad."
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06
Kosovo enters fourth month without Assembly speaker, after 24th attempt fails
More than three months have passed since the parliamentary elections held on February 9, 2025, but the Kosovo Assembly continues to remain unconstituted. Even the 24th continuation in a row, held today on May 31, has failed to produce any progress in the election of the Speaker of the Assembly.
The chairman of the session, Avni Dehari, once again attempted to form an electoral commission that would enable a secret ballot for the Speaker of the Assembly. However, the attempt failed as only 53 deputies voted in favor, an insufficient number to move on to the next phase of the procedure.
Following this failure, Dehari announced that the next attempt to constitute the Assembly will resume on June 2. The political deadlock has now entered its fourth month, deepening the institutional crisis in the country.
The chairman of the session, Avni Dehari, once again attempted to form an electoral commission that would enable a secret ballot for the Speaker of the Assembly. However, the attempt failed as only 53 deputies voted in favor, an insufficient number to move on to the next phase of the procedure.
Following this failure, Dehari announced that the next attempt to constitute the Assembly will resume on June 2. The political deadlock has now entered its fourth month, deepening the institutional crisis in the country.
07
PDK starts legal battle with ERO
The Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) has taken legal steps to challenge the decision of the Energy Regulatory Office (ERO), which foresees the transition of a large number of businesses from universal service supply to the free energy market as of June 1. PDK warns that this decision could have serious consequences for the local economy, including the loss of over 140 thousand jobs and the economic destabilization of the country.
PDK MP Abelard Tahiri stated in a press conference that the decision directly affects around 1,300 businesses and thousands of workers, increasing the risk of mass bankruptcies, price increases and a new wave of inflation. According to him, ERO has acted without respecting the reactions of civil society and without fulfilling the prerequisites for a fair liberalization process.
"This decision was taken without competitive analysis and without consultation with responsible institutions such as the Competition Authority or the State Aid Office. This creates conditions for a new social crisis," said Tahiri, also citing the Ombudsman's remarks on the violation of the legitimate interests of the economic community.
PDK has requested the immediate suspension of the decision by ERO, warning that in the absence of a reaction within 15 days, the case will be sent to the Basic Court of Pristina for a temporary measure.
PDK MP Abelard Tahiri stated in a press conference that the decision directly affects around 1,300 businesses and thousands of workers, increasing the risk of mass bankruptcies, price increases and a new wave of inflation. According to him, ERO has acted without respecting the reactions of civil society and without fulfilling the prerequisites for a fair liberalization process.
"This decision was taken without competitive analysis and without consultation with responsible institutions such as the Competition Authority or the State Aid Office. This creates conditions for a new social crisis," said Tahiri, also citing the Ombudsman's remarks on the violation of the legitimate interests of the economic community.
PDK has requested the immediate suspension of the decision by ERO, warning that in the absence of a reaction within 15 days, the case will be sent to the Basic Court of Pristina for a temporary measure.
08
LDK leader: Two non-Serb minorities would be in the LDK parliamentary group if we wanted to hinder the majority
The leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo, Lumir Abdixhiku, stated on the show "Pressing" that he has not made any attempt to form a parliamentary majority. "What is the truth, I will not even stop the parliamentary majority."
"I'm telling you: if the LDK wanted to create obstacles to the formation of a parliamentary majority, two non-Serb minorities would be in the LDK parliamentary group. Not to mention the other majority MPs who are flirting with the Democratic League of Kosovo. We have not created any such obstacles at all."
"I'm telling you: if the LDK wanted to create obstacles to the formation of a parliamentary majority, two non-Serb minorities would be in the LDK parliamentary group. Not to mention the other majority MPs who are flirting with the Democratic League of Kosovo. We have not created any such obstacles at all."
09
The Kosovo Assembly fails to be constituted even in the 16th attempt
In the 16th attempt to constitute the new Assembly, the deputies again failed to overcome the institutional blockade. The chairman of the session again asked the parties to propose members for the commission that would enable the vote to elect the Speaker of the Assembly. However, the commission did not receive the necessary votes. As a result, the Assembly remained unconstituted again.
10
Formation of a committee without a secret ballot fails again
Even in the continuation of today's constitutive session of the Assembly of Kosovo, the chairman of the session asked the parties to propose one member each for the commission for secret ballot in the election of the Speaker of the Assembly.
Although the opposition parties did not propose any members for this commission, it was put to the vote, but again did not receive the necessary votes.
Although the opposition parties did not propose any members for this commission, it was put to the vote, but again did not receive the necessary votes.