Politics

Parliamentary elections are approaching, with four leaders vying for the post of Prime Minister and the leadership of Kosovo. Albin Kurti, the current Prime Minister of Kosovo and leader of the Vetëvendosje Movement, a party that emerged as a movement for self-determination and social reform. A graduate of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Pristina, Kurti has been a figure in Kosovo politics since the time of the war for independence, when he distinguished himself as an activist and later as a political prisoner. Lumir Abdixhiku, leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), a historic party in Kosovo politics. With a doctorate in economics from Staffordshire University in the United Kingdom, Abdixhiku has a strong academic background and experience in prestigious institutions. As a moderate and pragmatic voice, he is committed to modernizing the economy and encouraging foreign investment in Kosovo. Bedri Hamza, the candidate for Prime Minister from the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), is an experienced economist and politician. As a former Minister of Finance, he is known for his careful management of fiscal policies and ensuring economic stability in challenging times for Kosovo. He currently serves as the Mayor of Mitrovica. Ramush Haradinaj, former Prime Minister of Kosovo and leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), is a strong political figure with a long history of national service. Known for his role as a commander of the KLA during the war for independence. Haradinaj studied at the Faculty of Law of the University of Pristina and holds a master’s degree from the American University in Kosovo. His political career has focused on national security, infrastructure development, and strengthening Kosovo’s sovereignty. These elections represent a critical moment for Kosovo, where citizens will evaluate competing visions for the country’s future, voting on February 9, 2025 in what is expected to be a very close race.

The Electoral Complaints and Appeals Panel (ECAP) has approved the appeal of the political entity Lista Srpska, deciding that this political entity be certified for participation in the Kosovo parliamentary elections, which will be held on 9 February 2025. The decision was taken in a session held on 25 December 2024 by a panel composed of judges Arsim Hamzaj, Hajriz Hoti, Kujtim Pasuli, Hidajete Gashi Alaj and Bujar Muzaqi. The ECAP annulled the previous decision of the Central Election Commission (CEC) dated 23 December 2024, which had refused to certify Lista Srpska. The panel ordered the CEC to certify the entity and its candidates, based on the recommendations of the Office for Registration, Certification and Financial Control of Political Entities. According to the ECAP, Lista Srpska had submitted all necessary documentation within the legal deadlines through the CEC's online platform.

The Central Election Commission (CEC) in Kosovo has decided not to certify the Serbian List, the largest Serb party in Kosovo, for participation in the February 9 parliamentary elections. This decision was made after the assessment of the Office for the Registration of Political Parties, which examines whether a political entity meets the legal criteria for participation in elections. The main justification for the refusal is related to the Serbian List’s connections with key figures in the Serbian government, including President Aleksandar Vučić and other individuals such as Milan Radoićić. CEC member Sami Kurteshi stated that “Representatives of this List maintain constant contact, they are seen in photographs and on television with Vučić’s government, but where Radoićić is also seen,” arguing that this is a sufficient reason not to certify the party.

The leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), Lumir Abdixhiku, presented in Pristina the party’s program for Sports, Culture and Tourism, an ambitious initiative that aims to transform these sectors within four years. This program, part of the “New Road” initiative approved by the LDK Assembly in November 2023, includes major projects such as the construction of the National Sports Center in Bërnica, Pristina, with an investment of 100 million euros, regional stadiums according to UEFA standards, as well as new centers for hand sports and swimming. In the field of culture, the plan foresees the construction of the “Dr. Ibrahim Rugova” Opera and Ballet Theater, the New National Theater, the Contemporary Museum and the Museum of Peace and Resistance, transforming Kosovo’s cultural infrastructure. In the tourism sector, the program includes investments of 80 million euros for the development of a modern resort in Brezovica and 50 million euros for a resort in Peja. This plan aims not only to develop the tourism infrastructure, but also to establish Kosovo as an attractive destination in the region. During the presentation, Abdixhiku emphasized the importance of great ambitions for building a brighter future for the country, declaring: “I believe in the Republic of Kosovo! Change is possible!” This program reflects the LDK’s commitment to economic and social transformation, bringing hope and a new vision for Kosovo.

Kaja Kallas, after meeting with Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti, stressed that the path to membership in the European Union passes through the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia, based on the Ohrid Agreement. She added that she welcomes the readiness for full cooperation after the recent terrorist attack and stressed that: “The perpetrators of this act must face justice.” Image: @kajakallas X