Kosovo deadlock deepens as Kurti rejects Constitutional Court deadline and calls for cooperation

Kosovo’s political crisis shows no sign of resolution, as Vetëvendosje leader Albin Kurti continues to resist pressure from the Constitutional Court and political opponents to help form a new legislature. Despite a binding ruling requiring the new Assembly to be constituted within 30 days, Kurti remains firm in his stance—insisting on a secret vote for the Speaker of Parliament and refusing to withdraw Albulena Haxhiu’s candidacy, a nominee opposed by all other major parties.

Why is this important: Kosovo has been without new governing institutions for nearly five months since the February 9 election, with political infighting delaying the formation of the Assembly. The prolonged impasse is not only a constitutional crisis but is also weighing heavily on public trust and the economy, as key state functions remain in limbo.

Context: On June 26, the Constitutional Court ordered all newly elected MPs to constitute the Assembly within 30 days. Yet on Sunday, the 39th attempt to do so failed, with no progress made toward agreement on the next parliamentary speaker.

President Vjosa Osmani has signaled she may convene another round of talks with political parties to break the deadlock, though no date has been officially set. In a May 15 meeting, she also expressed readiness to seek further clarification from the Court to help resolve the political standoff.

Kurti’s continued insistence on his terms, especially the secret vote and Haxhiu’s nomination, has been met with unified rejection from other parties, who accuse him of stonewalling the process and deepening the institutional void.

What’s next:  If the Assembly is not formed within the Court’s 30-day deadline, Kosovo could face new elections or deeper constitutional consequences. President Osmani is expected to play a central mediating role, but lack of cooperation from Vetëvendosje raises doubts over whether a consensus is within reach.

The stalemate comes at a critical time for Kosovo, with pressing domestic and international issues on hold amid the lack of functioning institutions.