Political tensions have emerged within the AAK-Nisma coalition following Fatmir Limaj’s expressed readiness to join a new government, even if led by Albin Kurti. Limaj’s position has gained support from a member of Kurti’s outgoing cabinet.
Cracks within the coalition appeared before the final vote count concluded. Ramush Haradinaj, the coalition’s prime ministerial candidate, swiftly rejected Limaj’s stance. In a Facebook post, Haradinaj wrote: “Evil has a name – Albin Kurti.”
However, Vesel Krasniqi, a close associate of Limaj, defended the Nisma leader, emphasizing Limaj’s long-standing commitment to Kosovo’s national interests.
“Fatmir Limaj is a politician of international caliber. His perspectives may sometimes be difficult for some to understand, especially those who struggle to grasp the reality of his return to Kosovo’s Parliament, despite his continuous contribution to the state,” Krasniqi wrote on Facebook. “Limaj has always supported those working in the citizens’ best interests and will continue to do so for national causes.”
Blerim Sallahu, Deputy Minister of Justice and a senior figure within Vetëvendosje, also backed Limaj, describing his departure from the coalition with Haradinaj as legitimate.
“Fatmir Limaj and Nisma have the democratic, constitutional, and legal right to pursue post-election coalitions with any political party. The pre-election coalition agreement between Nisma and AAK has served its purpose, and Limaj’s move falls entirely within democratic norms,” Sallahu said.
Still, Krasniqi dismissed suggestions that Nisma was rushing to join the government.
“We are not in a hurry to secure governing positions. Others have already dined and negotiated with Albin Kurti long before this. We work for the interests of Kosovo’s citizens, not for daily or personal agendas,” he added.
Preliminary election results suggest that Vetëvendosje will face difficulties forming a government solely with non-Serb minority parties. The same challenge applies to opposition parties. While the leaders of LDK and AAK have ruled out a coalition with Kurti, PDK’s leader has signaled that Kosovo needs a stable government.
Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s Vetëvendosje (VV) party has secured approximately 41% of the vote, falling short of an outright majority in the 120-seat Assembly.
The Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) garnered around 22% of the vote, while the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) received approximately 18%. The Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) and Nisma coalition obtained about 7.5%.
Voter turnout was reported at 40.59%, a decrease of 7% compared to the previous election.
The election was conducted peacefully, with international observers monitoring the process. However, the results suggest potential political uncertainty, as forming a stable coalition government may prove challenging.
