Kosovo’s new assembly remains stalled after failing once more to elect a speaker during the April 19 session, despite all MPs being officially sworn in.

The ninth legislature, elected on February 9, saw the ruling Vetevendosje movement win the most seats but fall short of an outright majority. The main opposition parties such as the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) are reluctant to work with Vetevendosje. 

Although the assembly approved the Verification Commission’s report on MPs' mandates, Vetevendosje's nominee for speaker, Albulena Haxhiu, did not secure the 61 votes required in two separate ballots, Koha.net reported.

Chairman Avni Dehari adjourned the session, setting the next attempt for April 21 at 3pm.

Haxhiu confirmed she will remain her party’s choice, blaming opposition parties for the ongoing deadlock.

“The assembly cannot move forward without a speaker and deputy speakers,” she said, urging the opposition to support the process.

The opposition Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), which was placed second in the February election, reiterated its readiness to step in if Vetevendosje fails to form a government.

Following the swearing-in of its MPs, PDK leader Memli Krasniqi said the party remains “a factor of stability” and would take responsibility for leading a new government with Bedri Hamza as prime minister, according to Koha.net.

PDK acknowledged that Vetevendosje, as the largest bloc, holds the right to propose a candidate for speaker but emphasised that this mandate is not indefinite. “The coalition VV [Vetevendosje]-Guxo-Alternativa must approach this moment with the seriousness it demands,” the party stated.

PDK also noted its role in ending an earlier deadlock by supporting the verification vote.