PRISHTINA, Aug. 12 /ATA/ – Verbal clashes broke out in Kosova’s parliament on Wednesday between opposition lawmakers and members of the Vetevendosje movement over calls to resume a stalled constitutive session.
Acting Justice Minister Donika Gervalla urged opposition lawmakers to attend talks initiated by the ruling Vetevendosje to reach a political agreement, as opposition MPs chanted: “Call the session!”
The dispute follows the expiry on Aug. 7 of the 30-day constitutional deadline to constitute parliament. The session, which began on Aug. 6, has stalled after lawmakers failed to elect a speaker and deputy speakers.
The PDK and AAK have demanded that session chair Avni Dehari resume proceedings, while Vetevendosje insists on reaching a political agreement first.
Naim Jakaj of the Kosova Law Institute said the expiry of the deadline did not mean the process should stop, arguing that lawmakers remained obliged to complete parliament’s constitution. He also said negotiations over the presidency should not be a precondition for constituting parliament.
The political deadlock centres on the election of Kosova’s next president. Vetevendosje wants a broad agreement on a consensus, non-partisan candidate, while the LDK says the post should go to its nominee. The PDK has called for constitutional procedures to be completed first, while the AAK has accused Vetevendosje of causing the institutional impasse.
The European Union has urged Kosova’s parties to reach agreement quickly, warning that delays in forming institutions could hamper reforms and affect access to EU funds.
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