Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti failed to appear at the Special Prosecution Office on December 16, where he had been summoned to testify as a witness in an ongoing criminal investigation.

According to the prosecution's spokesperson, Liridona Kozmaqi, Kurti’s office informed the authorities that he was travelling abroad and therefore unable to attend. Kozmaqi confirmed that a new summons would be issued, Koha.net reported.

"The Special Prosecution, through a regular summons, invited PM Albin Kurti for an interview as a witness in a criminal case under investigation," Kozmaqi said.

"Today, we were informed by PM Kurti's cabinet that he is travelling abroad and cannot attend. A new invitation will be prepared, but the date is yet to be determined."

Government spokesperson Përparim Kryeziu stated that Kurti’s international engagement had been scheduled and confirmed prior to the summons.

"The Special Prosecution was notified that the prime minister is abroad on a previously confirmed agenda and cannot be present today," Kryeziu explained.

However, he added that Kurti is open to cooperating with the investigation and has expressed willingness to meet prosecutors at his office at a mutually agreed time.

Kurti was initially summoned to appear at 9.30 am, but neither the Special Prosecution nor the prime minister's office has clarified the specifics of the case in question. Unofficial sources suggest that the case may involve alleged misuse of state resources, though this remains unconfirmed.

The controversy has sparked a broader debate regarding the timing and implications of the summons. Lawyer Mahmut Halimi, who represents one of the accused in the case, questioned the legal grounds for the prime minister’s involvement. Halimi noted that the Appeals Court had previously ruled to release the accused due to insufficient evidence, casting doubt on the prosecution's case.

"I am surprised that, despite the court finding no well-founded suspicion of a criminal offence, the procedure continues," Halimi remarked.

Separately, Kryeziu criticised the timing of the summons, suggesting it interferes with the political process. He compared the situation to a past court decision that barred Kurti from participating in the February 2021 election, alleging political motivations behind the judicial actions.

Kurti has remained largely silent on the matter. Following a public event last week, where he was asked about the summons, he avoided commenting, saying only, "I'm in a hurry today."

The summons reportedly coincided with a meeting of Kurti’s ruling Vetevendosje party, which was finalising its list of candidates for next year’s elections due on February 9, 2025.

Recent polls show Vetevendosje leading with nearly 50% of voter support, followed by the PDK at 17%, the LDK at 15.5%, and the AAK at 8.6%.

In the 2021 general election, Vetevendosje secured 50.28% of the votes, winning 58 of the 120 seats in parliament.

Last week it was reported that the case appears to centre on alleged violations of Article 414 of Kosovo’s Criminal Code, which pertains to abuse of official position or authority. However, without an official statement from the prosecution or Kurti’s office, the exact details remain unclear.