Kosovo is on the brink of significant turmoil as nationwide protests against the war crimes convictions of former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders converge with a midnight deadline to elect a new president. The political impasse has raised the likelihood of early elections, potentially scheduled for November 15, should lawmakers fail to reach a compromise.
Demonstrators are demanding legislative changes to the Law on the Specialist Chambers, a Hague-based court established to prosecute alleged crimes committed during and after the 1998-1999 conflict. Key demands include capping prison sentences at 15 years and allowing convicted individuals to serve their time in Kosovo. These protests gained momentum following the September 16 verdicts, which sentenced former President Hashim Thaci to 25 years in prison.
The situation escalated on Monday when police deployed tear gas and water cannons against protesters outside the Assembly in Pristina. Clashes involving fireworks and bottles led to criticism from observers who argued the force was disproportionate. Journalist Gezim Baxhaku stated that special police units exceeded their legal authority, noting that prior weeks had seen largely peaceful gatherings where citizens even offered food and drinks to officers.
Political analyst Artan Muhaxhiri warned that while new elections do not guarantee positive outcomes, the current climate is highly charged. He expressed concern that anger over the court verdicts would dominate the campaign, overshadowing socioeconomic issues and deepening systemic instability. Muhaxhiri also criticized Prime Minister Albin Kurti for a “transactional” approach, accusing him of linking the presidential vote to amendments regarding the Hague court, effectively trading national identity issues for political gain.
The Constitutional crisis began in April when President Vjosa Osmani’s term expired, and the National Assembly has since been unable to secure the required 80-member quorum for a presidential election. Opposition parties, including the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), have boycotted voting sessions. The PDK, previously led by Thaci, proposed the amendments to curb the tribunal’s powers, which parliament approved in a first reading in October. However, internal power struggles within the PDK following the sentencing have fragmented the party, hindering cross-party negotiations.
Despite the visible anger in the streets, political scientist Nexhmedin Spahiu suggested that the broader public supports the court’s decisions. He noted that many Kosovans appreciate the court’s validation of the KLA’s liberation struggle by rejecting Serbian claims of systematic crimes, as well as the accountability shown for crimes committed within the Albanian community.
Thaci getting 25 years really fractured the PDK. This internal power struggle seems to be fueling the current deadlock significantly.
I think the public actually supports these verdicts. Accountability is hard, but necessary for Kosovo’s future credibility.
How can they expect to solve economic crises when the election is completely stalled? Something has to give soon.
The disproportionate police response is worrying. Peaceful protesters offering food to officers deserves better than water cannons.