Power Struggle Splits Kosovo Opposition Parties

Political observers in Kosovo predict the likely end of a “united” opposition in the country after two opposition parties drafted a cooperation agreement without the presence of the third, the Vetevendsoje [Self-Determination] movement.

Vetevendosje has been trying to draft a joint document, called “Alternative”, which would bring together the three main opposition parties and civil society groups ahead of the next elections.

However, this was unacceptable to the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, AAK, and to the Initiative for Kosovo, NISMA, which argued that Vetevendosje was trying to take over the opposition with the agreement.

Frashër Krasniqi, spokesperson of Vetevendosje, said the claims were false and accused AAK chief Ramush Haradinaj of “flirting” with the ruling parties.

“We tried to make an ‘alternative’ force, including the AAK, NISMA and also civil society but we didn’t go into details, like [who would be] Prime Minister and other positions,” Krasniqi recalled.

He added that last time all three leaders met was after they cancelled a scheduled opposition protest in March.

On Monday, AAK leader Haradinaj and the leader of NISMA, Fatmir Limaj, signed their own pre-election agreement without Vetevendosje.

“We are open to other parties joining us, excluding parties that are in the government. We are open to civil society, intellectuals, citizens – everyone who doesn’t agree with the situation in our country,” Limaj said.

Some analysts said Vetevendosje risks being marginalised by not joining the agreement between AAK and NISMA. Nexhmedin Spahiu said Vetevendosje risks “getting burnt” if it is left out.

“The agreement between AAK and NISMA puts pressure on Vetevendosje, which has shown arrogance as the bigger opposition party. Now this coalition of two parties stands for a bigger opposition,” he told BIRN.

The two parties together accounted for 15 seats in parliament as opposed to 16 for Vetevendosje. However, one opposition MP, Donika Kadaj Bujupi, has left the AAK and joined Vetevendosje, arguing that her values better matched those of the latter. As a result, Vetevendosje now has 17 seats and the new two-party coalition, 14 seats.

Pristina-based analyst Imer Mushkolaj told BIRN that the agreement spells the end of the “united” opposition in Kosovo.

“AAK and NISMA are not aiming to topple this government. With this agreement… the two parties are getting ready to join one of the ruling coalition parties to win the next elections,” Mushkolaj said.

Vetevendosje, AAK and NISMA cancelled a joint protest that was scheduled for March 26. Meanwhile, the AAK alone has announced another protest on May 14.