Gogic: Kurti is defiant, Osmani takes advantage of it

Political scientist Ognjen Gogic assesses that the crisis in the relations between the president and the prime minister is a result of Albin Kurti's defiance toward the West, which Vjosa Osmani skillfully uses through her "diplomatic offensive."

In a conversation with Kosovo Online, Gogic emphasizes that the intensified diplomatic activity of President Osmani is a "symptom" of a crisis in their relationship. He also reminds that this is the result of the fact that Kurti, even while in opposition, did not enjoy the trust of the West. After coming to power, he did not feel the need to prove himself or change this perception, which only worsened.

"He was defiant toward the West, primarily the Americans. This indeed led to a situation where, even when the administration changed and Biden took over the White House, it was expected that relations between Kurti and Biden would be better than between Kurti and Trump. However, that did not happen. Thus, Kurti remained someone whom the Americans did not particularly respect or trust, which Osmani knew how to exploit, presenting herself as a better interlocutor. So, there is mutual animosity. Kurti's unilateral actions and defiance further aggravate this," Gogic says.

Asked whether Osmani's recent "European-American tour," particularly her attendance at the NATO Summit in Washington, should be viewed in this light, this political scientist says that the visit is more an indicator of how interested the US is in Kosovo.

"I would remind that Osmani went to the United States by invitation, and it was from Blinken, as reported. Her office did not arrange these visits; she was invited to come there. So, it is more about a diplomatic offensive toward Kosovo, rather than the other way around. She, of course, used the opportunity to lobby for Kosovo's positions, but primarily it should suggest to us that the United States actually counts on Kosovo and has certain expectations and plans regarding Kosovo," Gogic explains.

He says that the invitation to President Osmani came because she is seen by the US as more "cooperative" and someone they see as an interlocutor in Kosovo for their goals.

"That is the real message we should take from this: that they count on Kosovo and want to continue developing relations with it. But they chose an interlocutor who is more receptive to their suggestions. Naturally, Osmani used the opportunity to reiterate Kosovo's positions, to lobby for some of Kosovo's stances, especially in dialogue and relations with Belgrade, the Community of Serb Municipalities, and last year's agreement... But, of course, there is also the component of isolating Kurti," Gogic believes.

He reminds that proof of this claim is the fact that Kurti has never been invited to such events, and during his stays in the US, meetings with significant representatives of the American administration were also absent.

"This actually shows that they do not see Kurti as an interlocutor, but it also shows that Osmani does not hesitate to fill that vacuum," Gogic concludes.