Politics
Saturday, July 18, 2026
Politics · Analysis · Developments
Parliament fails again to form a committee without a composition as the opposition does not propose names
In the continuation of today's constitutive session of the Assembly of Kosovo, the chair of the session asked the parties to propose one member each for the secret ballot committee in the election of the Speaker of the Assembly.
Although the opposition parties did not propose any members for this committee, it was put to the vote, but did not receive the necessary votes. The session is expected to continue on May 9.
Although the opposition parties did not propose any members for this committee, it was put to the vote, but did not receive the necessary votes. The session is expected to continue on May 9.
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Albanian secures second term as Prime Minister
Anthony Albanese has secured a second term as Prime Minister of Australia, after the Labor Party emerged victorious in the 2025 federal election. This is the first time a Labor leader has managed to win two consecutive terms since 2004.
Labor's victory was attributed to its focus on issues that matter to voters, such as the rising cost of living, healthcare and housing affordability. The party maintained its positions in key areas such as the Hunter and Paterson and also made gains in traditionally conservative territories.
Meanwhile, the Liberal-National coalition led by Peter Dutton suffered significant losses, especially in Queensland and Tasmania. Dutton himself faced the risk of losing his seat in Dickson, reflecting the opposition's wider difficulties. Analysts have criticised Dutton's leadership for being disconnected from the realities of ordinary citizens and for controversial policies such as the elimination of teleworking for public servants and major cuts to the public sector, which are believed to have undermined the coalition's economic credibility.
Labor's victory was attributed to its focus on issues that matter to voters, such as the rising cost of living, healthcare and housing affordability. The party maintained its positions in key areas such as the Hunter and Paterson and also made gains in traditionally conservative territories.
Meanwhile, the Liberal-National coalition led by Peter Dutton suffered significant losses, especially in Queensland and Tasmania. Dutton himself faced the risk of losing his seat in Dickson, reflecting the opposition's wider difficulties. Analysts have criticised Dutton's leadership for being disconnected from the realities of ordinary citizens and for controversial policies such as the elimination of teleworking for public servants and major cuts to the public sector, which are believed to have undermined the coalition's economic credibility.
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Attempt to hold secret ballot for Assembly Speaker fails again
In today's constitutive session of the Assembly of Kosovo, the proposal to form a secret ballot committee for the election of the Speaker of the Assembly was again rejected. The chairman of the session, Avni Dehari, proposed secret ballot as a form and a way to unblock the constitution process. However, the proposal did not receive sufficient votes. As a result, the secret ballot was not carried out, further postponing the formation of new institutions.
Politics
The tenth attempt to constitute the Assembly (VIDEO)
The Assembly of Kosovo is launching its tenth attempt to convene today, following the lack of consensus on the election of the Speaker. In the previous session of the Assembly of Kosovo, the proposal for a secret ballot to elect the Speaker of the Assembly was rejected. The Chair of the session, Avni Dehari, proposed this form of voting as a way to unblock the constitution process, referring to the possibilities offered by the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly and the decisions of the Constitutional Court.
However, the proposal did not receive sufficient votes from the deputies and was particularly opposed by the opposition parties, which considered it unacceptable and unconstitutional. As a result, the secret ballot was not held, further postponing the formation of the new institutions. The Assembly continues today its new attempt to elect the chairman of the new legislature, with the session expected to begin at 10:00.
However, the proposal did not receive sufficient votes from the deputies and was particularly opposed by the opposition parties, which considered it unacceptable and unconstitutional. As a result, the secret ballot was not held, further postponing the formation of the new institutions. The Assembly continues today its new attempt to elect the chairman of the new legislature, with the session expected to begin at 10:00.
Politics
Party advertising spending in line with results
The Central Election Commission (CEC) has made public the unaudited financial declaration reports of the election campaign for the parliamentary elections of February 9, 2025, providing a clear overview of how political parties have spent funds during the election period.
The category of advertising, representation and organization of conferences is led by the Vetëvendosje Movement (LVV), reporting an amount of 1,182,518.63 euros. It is followed by the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) with 459,200.91 euros, the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) with 334,370.41 euros and the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) with 243,087.79 euros.
Interestingly, the amounts reported for marketing also coincide with the rankings that these parties had in the elections, suggesting a possible link between campaign investment and electoral performance. It is worth noting that the reports are still awaiting final audit.
The category of advertising, representation and organization of conferences is led by the Vetëvendosje Movement (LVV), reporting an amount of 1,182,518.63 euros. It is followed by the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) with 459,200.91 euros, the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) with 334,370.41 euros and the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) with 243,087.79 euros.
Interestingly, the amounts reported for marketing also coincide with the rankings that these parties had in the elections, suggesting a possible link between campaign investment and electoral performance. It is worth noting that the reports are still awaiting final audit.
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06
Rubio urges two nuclear powers to avoid escalation
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called for calm between India and Pakistan after a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 Hindu tourists.
In separate phone calls with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Rubio expressed condolences for the victims and stressed the need for the two countries to work together to maintain peace and security in South Asia.
India has accused Pakistan of supporting the perpetrators of the attack, a charge Islamabad has vehemently denied. As a result, tensions have escalated significantly, including the expulsion of diplomats from both sides, the closure of airspace, and daily exchanges of fire along the Line of Control in Kashmir.
India and Pakistan are both nuclear powers, which makes the situation even more sensitive and dangerous. According to the latest data from the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), India possesses about 160 nuclear warheads, while Pakistan has an arsenal of about 170 nuclear warheads.
Along with the military escalation, the Indus Waters Treaty, the 1960 treaty that regulates the sharing of water resources between India and Pakistan, has also been brought back into the spotlight. Indian officials have threatened to cancel the agreement. Islamabad has called the potential water embargo an “act of war,” warning that such a move could lead to an immediate escalation of the conflict between the two nuclear powers. These developments make diplomatic intervention to preserve peace all the more urgent. A clash between the two nuclear powers, based on territorial disputes and tensions over vital resources such as water, could lead to catastrophic consequences for the region and beyond.
In separate phone calls with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Rubio expressed condolences for the victims and stressed the need for the two countries to work together to maintain peace and security in South Asia.
India has accused Pakistan of supporting the perpetrators of the attack, a charge Islamabad has vehemently denied. As a result, tensions have escalated significantly, including the expulsion of diplomats from both sides, the closure of airspace, and daily exchanges of fire along the Line of Control in Kashmir.
India and Pakistan are both nuclear powers, which makes the situation even more sensitive and dangerous. According to the latest data from the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), India possesses about 160 nuclear warheads, while Pakistan has an arsenal of about 170 nuclear warheads.
Along with the military escalation, the Indus Waters Treaty, the 1960 treaty that regulates the sharing of water resources between India and Pakistan, has also been brought back into the spotlight. Indian officials have threatened to cancel the agreement. Islamabad has called the potential water embargo an “act of war,” warning that such a move could lead to an immediate escalation of the conflict between the two nuclear powers. These developments make diplomatic intervention to preserve peace all the more urgent. A clash between the two nuclear powers, based on territorial disputes and tensions over vital resources such as water, could lead to catastrophic consequences for the region and beyond.
07
Liberals retain power in Canada: Mark Carney consolidates position as leader
Mark Carney has won Canada's federal election held on April 28, 2025, leading the Liberal Party to a significant victory after a close and highly contested race. Carney, an internationally renowned figure for his experience at the helm of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, managed to secure 164 seats, positioning his party to form a minority government. Although he fell short of a majority, his victory is seen as a clear mandate to protect Canada's independence and restore economic stability.
Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservative Party, suffered a heavy defeat not only nationally but also personally, losing his long-held seat of Carleton, Ontario. His harsh rhetoric against federal institutions and a tougher approach to social policies did not find sufficient support among voters who this time sought more moderation and calm leadership in turbulent times. For many conservatives, Poilievre's loss is a clarion call for reflection and a restructuring of the political approach.
Mark Carney's campaign was characterized by a strong focus on defending Canadian sovereignty, especially in the wake of rising tensions with the administration of US President Donald Trump. Trump's statements about the possibility of annexing Canada as the "51st state" caused widespread anger in the Canadian public and reinforced Carney's message about the need for strong and stable leadership in defense of national interests. This political climate accelerated the consolidation of support for the Liberals in the final weeks of the campaign.
In his victory speech, Mark Carney declared that Canada “will never be broken” by external pressures and emphasized that his government would commit to building closer relationships with international partners such as the European Union and Asia, reducing its heavy economic dependence on the United States. He also reiterated his commitment to combating climate change, making housing more affordable, and strengthening Canada’s middle class.
As Mark Carney prepares to build his government and negotiate support for future bills, the challenges ahead are numerous. He must preserve the internal unity of the Liberal Party, manage relations with a fragmented Parliament, and fulfill campaign promises. However, for many voters, Carney's arrival at the helm of government represents a new hope for stability, responsibility and a strong stance on the international stage.
Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservative Party, suffered a heavy defeat not only nationally but also personally, losing his long-held seat of Carleton, Ontario. His harsh rhetoric against federal institutions and a tougher approach to social policies did not find sufficient support among voters who this time sought more moderation and calm leadership in turbulent times. For many conservatives, Poilievre's loss is a clarion call for reflection and a restructuring of the political approach.
Mark Carney's campaign was characterized by a strong focus on defending Canadian sovereignty, especially in the wake of rising tensions with the administration of US President Donald Trump. Trump's statements about the possibility of annexing Canada as the "51st state" caused widespread anger in the Canadian public and reinforced Carney's message about the need for strong and stable leadership in defense of national interests. This political climate accelerated the consolidation of support for the Liberals in the final weeks of the campaign.
In his victory speech, Mark Carney declared that Canada “will never be broken” by external pressures and emphasized that his government would commit to building closer relationships with international partners such as the European Union and Asia, reducing its heavy economic dependence on the United States. He also reiterated his commitment to combating climate change, making housing more affordable, and strengthening Canada’s middle class.
As Mark Carney prepares to build his government and negotiate support for future bills, the challenges ahead are numerous. He must preserve the internal unity of the Liberal Party, manage relations with a fragmented Parliament, and fulfill campaign promises. However, for many voters, Carney's arrival at the helm of government represents a new hope for stability, responsibility and a strong stance on the international stage.
08
Haxhiu does not receive enough votes in the next attempt for Speaker of the Assembly
The attempt to elect the speaker of the Kosovo Assembly has failed again after the candidate of the Vetëvendosje Movement, Albulena Haxhiu, failed to secure the necessary majority of votes. Haxhiu received only 54 votes out of 120 deputies, falling short of the 61-vote threshold required to take over the leadership of the Assembly.
09
Malaysia opens doors to Kosovors without visa barriers
Citizens of the Republic of Kosovo can now travel to Malaysia without a visa, for stays of up to thirty (30) days, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kosovo announced in an official statement.
This decision constitutes an important step towards expanding travel freedoms for citizens of Kosovo and another concrete evidence of the advancement of the international subjectivity of our state. With this, Malaysia joins the list of countries where Kosovors can travel without visa barriers.
The Ministry emphasized that this development is the result of the increasingly close relations between the two countries and the commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation in various fields.
This decision constitutes an important step towards expanding travel freedoms for citizens of Kosovo and another concrete evidence of the advancement of the international subjectivity of our state. With this, Malaysia joins the list of countries where Kosovors can travel without visa barriers.
The Ministry emphasized that this development is the result of the increasingly close relations between the two countries and the commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation in various fields.
10
Haxhiu does not receive enough votes even in her fourth attempt to become Speaker of the Assembly
The fourth attempt to elect the speaker of the Kosovo Assembly has also failed after the candidate of the Vetëvendosje Movement, Albulena Haxhiu, failed to secure the necessary majority of votes. As in previous sessions, Haxhiu received only 57 votes out of 120 deputies, falling below the threshold of 61 votes required to take over the leadership of the Assembly.