Summary of the Week 56

Months after the parliamentary elections, the time finally came for the constitution of the Assembly. Still, it couldn’t happen out of turn or outside the rules — so it took a while. Which friendships have been rekindled, and which new ones have been forged? And what else fit into the week now behind us?

A pre-holiday and celebratory week — days for family and friends. But also for catching up on work that hadn’t been done on time. That’s how, after quite a while, MPs, ministers, and even the prime minister found themselves together in the Assembly.

“No one expected the twist that followed — that the Assembly failed to constitute itself,” commented political scientist Ognjen Gogic on the first two unsuccessful attempts this week.

Still, the same week offered room for consultations, persuasion, and the making of new friendships — with those likely to assume important parliamentary posts. Some old bonds, however, were broken. Analyst Shkëlzen Maliqi is not surprised.

“Kurti is now blaming everyone — the Constitutional Court, the prosecution, and all institutions in Kosovo,” says Maliqi.

When there’s no understanding at home, friendly support from outside is often needed. Analysts expect a different kind of response from Brussels.

“A certain kind of pressure from Brussels is necessary in order to move things forward. Because right now, when it comes to Belgrade–Pristina relations, things are neither progressing nor regressing. They're simply going nowhere,” says Stefan Vladisavljev from BFPE.

Those who head to Kosovo’s monasteries for the holidays know well where they’re going and why.

“People often start their journey excited to see the holy places, but when they return, they say it was the people who left the strongest impression,” shares Vesna Raonic, a tour guide with extensive experience.

And for people, prices leave an impression. Because to celebrate and enjoy the holidays with others, one must first shop.

“We buy all sorts of things. Those who have, have. Those who don’t — will still buy,” says a woman from Strpce, adding, “It’s expensive, believe me. For those with money, it’s not a problem. For those without…”

What should be normal — like friendship and understanding among youth — is, in Kosovo, an impression. A rarity. When the need for connection arises, there’s a lack of topics. The existing ones more often drive people apart than bring them together.

“On matters of history and politically charged historical events, we won’t be reaching agreement anytime soon,” says journalist Idro Seferi.

Instead of looking to the past, some look toward the future. When you know who your friends are — no matter how far away — you have no doubt about the direction and goals of your policy.