TIRANA, August 19 – Self-Determination leader Albin Kurti and Democratic League of Kosova leader Lumir Abdixhiku have discussed the profile of the country’s next president. After their 2-hour meeting at the Assembly, both leaders said they wanted to reach agreement on a candidate. Kurti said they had discussed the criteria and standards for the presidential figure. Meanwhile, Abdixhiku said the two parties would hold internal discussions before discussing specific names at their next meeting.
The meeting followed Abdixhiku’s statement that he would not seek a political agreement with Kurti on forming new institutions. However, he said he remained open to supporting a consensual, non-partisan presidential candidate. Later, Kurti called for talks on specific candidates. The two parties had previously negotiated a coalition deal. Abdixhiku withdrew after rejecting Kurti’s offer of 3 ministerial posts and a deputy prime minister position. The Democratic League had sought the presidency and government participation to ensure institutional balance.
At the same time, Kosova remains in an institutional crisis following the June 7 snap election. The Assembly has yet to be constituted. The 30-day deadline expired on August 7. Self-Determination wants a political agreement before the Assembly resumes its session, particularly on the presidency. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party of Kosova and the Alliance for the Future of Kosova want the Assembly constituted without linking the process to the presidential election.
The Democratic League has also said there is no longer a reason to delay the Assembly’s constitution and the formation of a new government. Self-Determination has enough mandates to constitute the Assembly and elect the government with support from non-majority community parties. However, the presidential vote requires 80 of the Assembly’s 120 deputies to be present. Kurti has insisted on a non-partisan and consensual president. The June election followed the failure to reach agreement after Vjosa Osmani’s 5-year term ended in April.
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