Kosovo’s new parliament failed on Friday to elect a speaker after the ruling Vetëvendosje party’s candidate, Albulena Haxhiu, fell short of the required majority in two rounds of voting, delaying the formation of new institutions following recent elections.
Haxhiu, a senior figure in the leftist-nationalist Vetëvendosje (Self-Determination) party, received 57 votes in both ballots – four short of the 61 required in the 120-seat assembly. The inaugural parliamentary session ended without a speaker or deputy speakers, leaving the legislature unable to formally convene.
“The Assembly cannot be constituted without a speaker and deputy speakers,” Haxhiu told reporters after the session. “We were ready to continue the procedures, but the opposition is keeping the Assembly blocked.” She confirmed that Vetëvendosje will nominate her again in a third attempt scheduled for Monday.
The outcome reflects the fragmented post-election landscape in Kosovo, where Vetëvendosje lacks a governing majority and has faced resistance from opposition parties. The Social Democratic Initiative (Nisma), a small party holding three seats, abstained in both rounds, contributing to Haxhiu’s failure to secure the role.
Fatmir Limaj, leader of Nisma, welcomed the verification of mandates and swearing-in of MPs as a step forward but did not explain his party’s abstentions. “Kosovo now has a Parliament and MPs. They will find a way forward,” he said.
Glauk Konjufca, Vetëvendosje’s deputy leader, called on opposition parties to support Haxhiu’s candidacy in order to unblock the process and allow the formation of a new government. However, in the second vote, 20 MPs voted against and three abstained, indicating no shift in opposition support.
Kosovo, a former Serbian province that declared independence in 2008, is still grappling with political fragmentation and tense relations with its Serb minority and neighbouring Serbia, which does not recognise its statehood. Delays in forming new institutions risk slowing down reforms and weakening Western-backed efforts for regional stability.
The Assembly is expected to reconvene on Monday for a third attempt to elect a speaker and move forward with constituting the new government.
