Transitional government: The least bad solution or an evasion of responsibility?

The proposal by the president of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), Lumir Abdixhiku, to form a transitional government with a limited mandate until the election of a new president in the spring of next year, has not been warmly welcomed by political parties. Most have characterized the initiative as a farce or even a threat to democracy. Interlocutors of Kosovo Online also believe that a transitional government would not bring the stability currently needed, and that such a solution would amount to evading responsibility.

By: Dusica Radeka Djordjevic

The only one who openly supported the LDK leader's proposal was the president of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, Ramush Haradinaj. While he emphasized that he personally advocates for forming an opposition-led government, he described Abdixhiku’s initiative as "not bad."

Fatmir Limaj, president of the NISMA party, also expressed readiness for talks on this option. In contrast, the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) dismissed the proposal as a farce, and PDK MP Ganimete Musliu accused Abdixhiku’s party of being afraid to make decisions.

The leader of Self-Determination, Albin Kurti, stated today that his movement wants a "normal government," not a temporary or transitional one.

In response to the negative reactions over the past few days, Abdixhiku said that while the idea may not be the best, it is the only one currently on the table.

Political analyst Arbnor Sadiku considers the LDK proposal the best option, as he believes new elections would suit no one. He also thinks the idea has international backing and that it could create an opportunity to establish the Community of Serb Municipalities.

In contrast, political analyst Nexhmedin Spahiu argues that a transitional government is not in Kosovo’s interest.

Since Abdixhiku presented the idea after Albin Kurti called for a coalition between Self-Determination and the LDK, Spahiu told Kosovo Online that the proposal is simply a response from the LDK and its leader, who is afraid to enter into a coalition with Self-Determination.

“On the other hand, it is also an evasion of responsibility, because bringing all parties into the government means avoiding accountability, since, in that case, everyone and no one is responsible. Such a government is not in Kosovo’s interest, because it would first require the election of a consensual prime minister. And that consensual prime minister cannot be smarter or more capable than the political leaders, he must be dumber and lazier than them. Because if, for example, they chose someone more competent, that prime minister would immediately become their political competitor. And, of course, they have no interest in that,” Spahiu concludes.

Analyst Erblin Hoxha stated for Kosovo Online that the LDK proposal appears to be a step sideways, one that risks deepening uncertainty at a time when people are looking for leadership and direction.

“It is unfortunate that LDK chose to reject Self Determination’s offer to form a coalition, especially at a time when the country needs cooperation, not division. Instead, proposing a transitional government feels like a step sideways, one that risks deepening uncertainty at a moment when people are searching for leadership and direction. For me, elections aren’t just about who gets the most votes, they are also about what is done afterward with that responsibility. Even though it took them two months to realize they couldn’t form a government alone, Self Determination extended a hand to LDK, not as a favor, but as an invitation to try to set aside differences and focus on a potential government that improves people’s lives and also unlocks the political deadlock we are in,” Hoxha emphasized.

He added that people did not vote to see more political games, they voted for change, progress, and a government that can fulfill its promises.

“There is still time to reset the tone. I believe Kosovo has leaders who are willing to sit down, have an honest conversation, and build something together. There remains hope that all sides will step away from party lines and put the public interest first. That remains to be seen,” Hoxha concluded.

Srdjan Barac from the Center for Social Stability said that anything involving transitional governments generally signals major tectonic shifts. While he acknowledges that such a shift is needed in Kosovo, he is concerned about which political agenda would become dominant in that scenario.

“When Albin Kurti was under European Union sanctions and couldn’t participate in international meetings, we saw that Vjosa Osmani was even worse. What matters is which policy will be adopted. If the policy, which currently seems unified, is the expulsion of Serbs from Kosovo and Metohija during uncertain times, and transitional governments are certainly such murky times, I believe they will seize the opportunity to further violate the law and take more actions that harm the Serbs,” Barac stated for Kosovo Online.

He also emphasized that he generally does not believe in transitional governments as a sound political model, since established political processes must be respected in order for political life to function properly.

As for whether Kosovo’s allies support forming a transitional government, he said that remains unclear.

“I don’t think the West is united right now on what should happen in Kosovo and Metohija or in our region in general, especially when we look across the Atlantic, where the statements have been the harshest, while those from Berlin have been much milder. Albin Kurti has tried to maneuver within that divide. Still, I feel Kurti has worn out his welcome on both sides. But as for the policy he advocates, that is what worries me. It is time they acknowledge that the project of an independent Kosovo has failed, and maintaining it on life support threatens the security architecture of the entire region, and at this point, Europe, because many forces want Europe in much greater chaos than it currently is,” Barac said.

As a reminder, Abdixhiku proposed the formation of a transitional government after Albin Kurti called for the creation of a coalition between the Self-Determination Movement and the Democratic League of Kosovo, a proposal that Abdixhiku rejected, stating that cooperation with Kurti was not possible.

As a solution to the deadlock Kosovo has faced since the February 9 elections, he proposed the formation of a national transitional government, inviting Kurti and other political leaders to a meeting regarding the initiative.