Kosovan Parliament fails to elect Speaker amidst looming political crisis

Background and further information:

The election of the Parliament's Speaker was seen as much-needed proof that the winning coalition following the legislative election of June 2017 could gather enough votes to produce a stable government.

The coalition is led by the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), the Initiative for Kosovo (NISMA) and the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK). The AAK leader Ramush Haradinaj ran as candidate for Prime Minister, while the country's President Hashim Thaçi is a member and former leader of the PDK party.

The remaining parties and coalitions have refused to form any alliance with the winning set of political forces. This includes the Vetevendosje party, which reached a surprising second place in the election and has gained considerable momentum.

Kosovo's Parliament failed on 3 August 2017 to elect its Speaker, amid suggestions that the country was falling into a crisis due to great political uncertainty.

• Primary Source

Reuters, 02.08.17: Survivor of Kosovo massacre faces new challenge - in parliament https://www.reuters.com/article/us-kosovo-parliament-survivor-idUSKBN1AI14I

B92, 04.08.17: New Kosovo Assembly fails to elect its president http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics.php?yyyy=2017&mm=08&dd=04&nav_id=101991

Balkan Insight, 03.08.17: Boycott Delays Vote on Kosovo Parliament Speaker http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/kosovo-postpones-the-voting-of-parliament-speaker-08-03-2017

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