Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani has called on parliamentary political parties to constitute the Kosovo Assembly. She stated that the parties should put aside their differences and prioritize the interest of Kosovo by forming a parliamentary majority that moves the country forward.

Even six months after the parliamentary elections on February 9, the country has not formed new institutions. Last week, MPs failed for the 58th time to constitute the ninth legislature, despite the second ruling of the Constitutional Court.

In an interview with the Polish broadcaster TVP World in Alpbach, Austria, Osmani said it is unfortunate that the people still do not have the parliament they voted for and that their will has not been materialized. According to her, the lack of a political agreement is due to polarization and a lack of mutual trust.

“While we are speaking, another attempt is being made in Parliament to constitute it. I think it is unfortunate that the people still do not have the parliament they voted for. The will of the citizens has not yet materialized. Kosovo has the strongest electoral democracy in the region, and we have always had peaceful transitions of power. Now, I wouldn’t call it a crisis, but more of a deadlock – simply nothing is happening. The problem is the lack of agreement among political parties to form a parliamentary majority, due to polarization and lack of trust. And this is harmful because we are losing EU projects, we are missing a golden opportunity we now have with the new U.S. administration. As president, I make a lot of efforts and reach agreements, but they need to be approved in parliament or implemented by the government. Therefore, I call on political parties to put aside differences and prioritize the interest of Kosovo by forming a parliamentary majority that moves Kosovo forward. The world will not wait for us. Windows of opportunity open for a very short time for countries like ours. And it is important to seize the moment because we do not have the luxury to wait long.”

In the interview, Osmani also spoke about Kosovo’s integration into the European Union, emphasizing that the country is ready to join the EU.

“I would say that in terms of our alignment, in terms of our European spirit, in terms of our political will and the will of our people to join Europe, we are 97% or even 100% aligned because we are a country fully compatible with the European Union. We are 100% in compliance. 97% of the people of Kosovo are pro-European, pro-EU and NATO membership. Regarding reforms – whether rule of law, economic reforms, fundamental rights, human rights – we are the most successful country in the Western Balkans. So, when it comes to values, we are very close. But when it comes to politics, procedures, and obstacles, we are still quite far because, as you know, five EU countries have not yet recognized Kosovo, and this is an obstacle. But then there are other obstacles, where, despite Kosovo being fully aligned, despite being a country that sees the EU as a value-based system, unfortunately, this does not seem to attract the attention of many member states. And it seems that those of us who have aligned with the EU, whether with sanctions against Russia, against Iran, or other measures, to step out of the comfort zone and do what is right – these have not been important for the EU.”

Speaking about protests in Serbia, President Osmani said they will have an impact across the region.

“What is happening in Serbia now will affect the entire region. I would not say specifically Kosovo, but the region as a whole because just as what happens in Russia affects the entire continent, when you have a neighboring country led by an autocrat who does not believe in human rights, rule of law, civil society, and freedom of speech, this certainly has a negative effect everywhere. Vučić’s regime has used the propaganda machine as the main instrument for decades. And let me remind your viewers: during the time Milošević was waging war in Croatia, Bosnia, Kosovo, and beyond, he had chosen a person as the minister of propaganda. And this was Vučić, today’s president. So propaganda is what he does best. Unfortunately, he has also used it against his own people. But I understand that students and citizens are protesting for the rule of law, against corruption, and this is a core value of any society. When Serbia is eventually led by people who truly believe in these values, it will also mean better relations with neighbors.”

Osmani added that Vučić has always done the opposite.

“Whenever there are problems inside the country, he tries to cause problems in Bosnia, Kosovo, and the region, to use the nationalist card and present himself as a savior. So I don’t think he will focus on the protesters. On the contrary, he will try to divert attention elsewhere. We are prepared to defend our country and prevent any aggression he may have in mind.”

Additionally, Osmani emphasized the importance for Kosovo to obtain candidate status for EU membership.

/KosovaPress/