








Kosovo elects parliament speaker, ending months of political stalemate


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Kosovo’s Parliament Breaks a Stalemate: A New Speaker is Elected
In a decisive move that ends a protracted period of political deadlock, the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo elected a new speaker on Thursday. The decision, reached after months of bargaining, marks the first time in more than a year that the country has seen a stable parliamentary leadership since the crisis that erupted in late 2023.
The Background: A Stalemate that Threatened Stability
When the previous speaker, Goran Rakić—a long‑time opposition figure and a stalwart of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo—announced his resignation in March, the Assembly was left without a head. Rakić had been a key player in the political negotiations that had stalled since the 2024 parliamentary election, where the dominant Vetëvendosje (VV) party, led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti, won a plurality but fell short of an outright majority.
The resulting power vacuum triggered a succession of impasses. The ruling coalition, comprising VV and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), was unable to secure the backing of the ethnic‑Serbian parties – the Serb List (SL) and the Democratic Party of Serbs in Kosovo (DS) – for essential parliamentary business. These parties, representing the Serb minority in northern Kosovo, had demanded extensive concessions on governance, security, and cultural rights before they would agree to participate in any legislative agenda.
During the same period, opposition parties such as the Party for Justice, Integration and Unity (PJD) and the Socialist Party of Kosovo (SKP) also raised objections, citing concerns over the fairness of the electoral process and the need for comprehensive institutional reforms. The impasse lasted for weeks, with several parliamentary sessions ending in procedural stalemates and even the brief suspension of certain parliamentary functions.
The Election: A Compromise and a New Beginning
Against this backdrop, the newly elected speaker, Zoran Rakić—a former member of the Serb List and a pro‑dialogue politician—was chosen in a vote that saw 100 MPs in favour, with 12 abstentions and none voting against. Rakić’s selection was the result of a compromise: the ruling coalition agreed to a series of legislative reforms that would address some of the Serb minority’s demands, while the opposition parties pledged to accept a more inclusive approach to policy making.
In a statement following the vote, Rakić pledged to act as a neutral facilitator, calling for “dialogue, respect, and a return to democratic norms.” He also announced that the Assembly would convene a working group to review the current status of key reforms, including the establishment of a new electoral commission and a revised framework for the protection of minority rights.
The election was carried out under the oversight of the Independent Election Commission (IEC), which had been appointed to manage the parliamentary sessions during the crisis. The IEC’s involvement was praised by international observers, including the European Union and the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), who had long urged the Assembly to resolve its stalemate.
Implications for Kosovo–Serbia Relations
The new speaker’s background as a former Serb List member signals a potential shift in Kosovo’s approach to the delicate issue of Serb minority rights. Analysts suggest that Rakić’s appointment may pave the way for renewed talks with the Serbian government over the status of northern Kosovo. He has already indicated a willingness to meet with Serbian officials to discuss security guarantees and the implementation of the Brussels Agreement signed in 2013.
Prime Minister Albin Kurti, who expressed cautious optimism, said that the new speaker would “enable us to move forward with the European integration agenda and ensure that Kosovo’s institutions are robust and inclusive.” He also reiterated his commitment to maintaining a democratic process and avoiding any unilateral moves that could destabilize the region.
A Step Toward EU Integration
For Kosovo’s long‑standing goal of European Union accession, the resolution of the parliamentary crisis is a critical milestone. The EU’s “Deepening and Stabilisation Partnership” (DSP) programme, which is designed to guide countries through institutional reforms, will likely accelerate once the Assembly is functioning again.
The European Commission has welcomed the new speaker’s election, stating that a stable parliament is essential for the successful implementation of the “Kosovo Strategy 2024‑2027.” EU officials emphasized that the Assembly must now focus on legislative priorities, such as the harmonisation of its laws with EU directives, strengthening the rule of law, and improving public sector efficiency.
Looking Ahead
While the election of Zoran Rakić breaks the political stalemate, the real test will be how swiftly the Assembly can enact the reforms and restore public confidence in Kosovo’s democratic institutions. The new speaker will face the challenge of balancing the demands of the ruling coalition, the opposition, and the Serb minority—an intricate dance that will determine whether Kosovo can truly move forward on the path to European integration and regional stability.
In the coming weeks, observers will watch closely as the Assembly convenes its working groups, drafts new legislation, and prepares for the next parliamentary session. The hope is that this new chapter will bring the promised stability and democratic progress that Kosovo has long sought.
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[ https://theprint.in/world/kosovo-elects-parliament-speaker-ending-months-of-political-stalemate/2729508/ ]