Kosovo opposition and ruling party unite behind candidate to end presidential deadlock

Caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s Vetevendosje party and the opposition Democratic League of Kosovo have struck a pact to nominate law professor Bekim Sejdiu as Kosovo’s next president, a move that could resolve a deadlock lasting almost two years. Sejdiu, 51, previously served as Kosovo’s ambassador to Turkey and as consul general in New York, and he told reporters he hopes the country can move forward on its challenges.

With Vetevendosje’s 58 seats and LDK’s 18 in the 120-member assembly, the two factions together with several minority parties can surpass the 80 votes required for the largely ceremonial post. Kurti’s government, formed after the June 7 snap election, still lacks the two-thirds parliamentary majority needed to elect a president, hindering reforms needed for EU accession. Political instability has slowed reforms and EU funding, prompting Brussels to stress the need for stable institutions. The schedule for electing a parliamentary speaker, approving a new cabinet, and holding the presidential vote remains uncertain.