Muhaxhiri: A government of Self-Determination and Limaj would be short-term

Political analyst Artan Muhaxhiri told Kosovo Online that the public in Kosovo was surprised by the message from the leader of the Social Democratic Initiative (Nisma), Fatmir Limaj, stating that he is ready to cooperate with any party to form a new government, including the Self-Determination Movement, as the opposition has a chance to create a joint government consisting of PDK, LDK, AAK, and Nisma.

These parties, he adds, have much better relations with minorities, and forming a government would be much easier if they showed the willingness and political intelligence to cooperate and find common ground.

"Mr. Limaj and Mr. Kurti have had very sharp and offensive disputes over the years. Kurti’s ministers have spoken very negatively about Limaj. So, it was a big surprise. However, in Kosovo politics, nothing should surprise us anymore because anyone can align with anyone, and this is a kind of Plan B," Muhaxhiri assesses.

However, he believes that if a government were formed with Limaj’s initiative alongside Self-Determination, it would not be long-term due to the disproportion between the two parties, as Self-Determination is likely to have 48 MPs, while Nisma will have three or possibly four.

"Limaj is a very experienced politician; he has been a minister and an important figure, familiar with institutional life. If Limaj can serve as a bridge for Kurti to improve relations with foreigners, the Americans, and the EU, then we might see a different outcome from such a government. However, I believe there is a 99 percent chance it will be short-term, especially due to the upcoming process of electing a new President of Kosovo, which will be a major issue given the current dynamics. Electing a president requires 80 votes, and with the gap between Self-Determination and the other bloc, particularly PDK and LDK, this will be very difficult, leading us into another crisis," Muhaxhiri concludes.