Muhaxhiri: "Cult of personality" dominates in Self-Determination

Political analyst Artan Muhaxhiri believes it is completely unrealistic to expect leadership changes within the Self-Determination Movement, despite poor election results, because a “cult of personality” prevails in the party, and any opposition to Albin Kurti would mean the end of one’s “political career.”

"Albin Kurti is the most powerful politician in Kosovo. He dominates the political scene and has absolute power. Within Self-Determination, there is a ‘cult of personality’ led by Prime Minister Kurti, and there is no chance that anyone could oppose or compete with him, as that would mean the end of their political career within the party," Muhaxhiri told Kosovo Online.

Commenting on the possibility of internal turmoil in Kosovo's largest Albanian party due to weaker election results, the analyst dismissed such expectations, arguing that Kurti has fostered an "atmosphere of loyalty" among party members.

"There is also an emotional aspect to Kurti’s cult within Self-Determination. Even if he loses an election, even if he does not become prime minister again, he will maintain absolute dominance within the party. There is no room for differing opinions because there is no democracy within this party. Kurti decides everything," Muhaxhiri explained.

He added that this level of autocracy goes so far that some MPs in the assembly intentionally quote or even make memes out of Kurti’s statements to show their loyalty and admiration for the Self-Determination leader.

"Once you start criticizing Prime Minister Kurti, the only option is to leave Self-Determination, and that has already happened to several MPs. Haki Abazi was the latest, but there’s also the Family List, Korenica, and others. As soon as you disagree with Kurti completely, it becomes very difficult to remain in the party because that’s just the atmosphere there," the analyst noted.

Commenting on speculation that Glauk Konjufca is the only realistic challenger to Kurti, Muhaxhiri said such a scenario is only possible if Kurti himself orchestrates it.

"Konjufca has been with Self-Determination from the beginning. He is Kurti’s closest ally and has always been. He stood by Kurti even when the party split with the Social Democrats, the group that later formed its own party. He has shown loyalty and dedication to Prime Minister Kurti, and I don’t believe he would attempt to take his place. Of course, that could happen only if Kurti agrees to it. If Kurti wants it to happen, then it will," Muhaxhiri concluded.