Kosovo PM silent over summons as his party launches attack on Kosovo’s justice institutions

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti did not respond to questions over a summons from the Special Prosecution Office of Kosovo. The summons calls Kurti to testify as a witness in an ongoing investigation into a corruption scandal involving the Kosovo state reserves and a businessman allegedly close to Kurti. However, members of his party, Vetëvendosje (VV), have already gone on the attack against the justice system, accusing it of attempting to interfere in the election process.

Why is this important: The summons risks tarnishing Albin Kurti and Vetëvendosje’s carefully cultivated image as a government with “clean hands,” a reputation that has been one of their strongest electoral assets. However, a series of allegations, scandals, and leaked eavesdropped materials have already begun to crack this image of incorruptibility.

This moment will also test Kurti’s and his administration’s relationship with Kosovo’s justice system and their commitment to the rule of law. Until now, the initial responses from Vetëvendosje representatives suggest that the party may adopt a familiar attitude: supporting justice when it investigates opponents but condemning it as biased when it targets their own ranks. 

What is the state reserve case:  The investigation revolves around corruption in the procurement of food items, for which the government paid over €10 million, but a significant part of which never reached the state reserves. Two senior officials from the Ministry of Industry have been arrested, while the property of a businessman, reported to be close to Kurti, has been searched.

The Ministry of Industry, led by Minister Rozeta Hajdari, is also under scrutiny for its oversight of these transactions. Opposition parties have demanded Hajdari’s resignation, claiming the irregularities expose systemic governance failures. Kurti’s testimony is expected to shed light on his administration’s role in managing state reserve transactions.

Response: Despite the document explicitly stating that Kurti is summoned as a witness, in their initial reactions government representatives have claimed that the summons is politically motivated because it comes mere months before the elections. The spokesperson called it “interference in the election process.” Deputy Prime Minister Besnik Bislimi quipped sarcastically about the timing of the summons, writing: “Why the rush, dear prosecutor? The campaign starts in January.”

What’s next: Kurti is expected to appear at the Special Prosecution on December 16. If he refuses to comply, he could face legal consequences, including fines or detention. Meanwhile, the escalating rhetoric from VV threatens to undermine trust in Kosovo’s justice institutions during a critical election period.