Canaj: Authorities using Laban case to block both Parliament and Court

Analyst Bljerim Canaj assessed that the authorities are using the situation involving judge Radomir Laban as an attempt to block both the parliament and the court, noting that the Constitutional Court cannot function without seven judges. He also stated that caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti is seeking to extend his time in office this way, because if Laban is dismissed, the court will be unable to make decisions.

Speaking to Kosovo Online, Canaj said this is a “game by the authorities.”

“The court normally has nine judges, but now it has only seven because two have retired. If they now remove Laban as well, the court will no longer be able to function since it needs at least seven judges. That way, Kurti can ensure he stays in power a bit longer and is not accountable to anyone, because even if someone brings a case to the court, there will be no one to resolve it,” Canaj explained.

He pointed out that at present it is not possible to appoint two new judges because they are appointed by parliament, and that Laban’s removal would therefore create a deliberate blockade.

As a reminder, Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani withdrew her request to the Constitutional Court regarding the constitutive session of the Assembly after Serbian judge Radomir Laban was appointed rapporteur in the case, while caretaker Justice Minister Albulena Haxhiu called for proceedings to dismiss Laban, accusing him of involvement in criminal activities and of posing “a threat to the constitutional order of Kosovo.”