Kosovo’s main opposition parties have accused the ruling Vetevendosje Movement led by acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti of attempting to monopolise power and obstruct democratic cooperation, following the failure of the 46th parliamentary session to constitute the new Assembly on July 13.

Despite winning the most seats in the February 9 general election, Kurti’s party fell short of the majority needed to form a government alone. The continued political deadlock is deepening Kosovo’s institutional crisis.

The Constitutional Court of Kosovo ruled on June 26 that the constitutive session of the ninth legislature must be completed within 30 days, namely by July 26. The verdict followed multiple failed attempts since April to elect the parliamentary leadership.

With time running out to meet the Constitutional Court’s deadline, political actors face mounting pressure to find a compromise and restore institutional functionality.

MP from the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), Armend Zemaj, criticised Vetevendosje for deliberately stalling the formation of institutions, accusing the party of seeking “full and uncontrolled power” and treating governance as private property rather than a public duty, Telegrafi reported on July 13.

“This is deliberate sabotage of the state and democracy,” Zemaj said, accusing Vetevendosje of speaking the language of cooperation while seeking “vassals, not partners” — even alleging the party is counting on votes from the Serbian List.

MP from Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), Jahir Demaku, said Kurti’s approach reflects an effort to govern without parliamentary oversight, which he blamed for worsening poverty and corruption.

MP from the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), Time Kadrijaj, accused Vetevendosje of avoiding accountability by abandoning the plenary hall and expressed hope that Constitutional Court rulings would soon provide clarity. “The country should not be held hostage by Albin Kurti,” she said.

At the latest session on July 13, of the 82 MPs present, only 43 voted in favour, with no votes against or abstentions, as the remaining members did not take part in the vote.

Session chair Avni Dehari announced that the next parliamentary session will be held on July 15.