The Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) has urged other opposition parties to support a motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s government.
Ramush Haradinaj, the leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, made a public appeal to fellow opposition parties, seeking their backing for a motion initiated by his party to bring down the current government. The motion is driven by concerns over the deteriorating relations with international allies and the exclusion of veterans from the minimum wage legislation.
Haradinaj expressed his concerns after holding a meeting with representatives of associations formed by veterans of the Kosovo Liberation Army. The discussions revolved around the minimum wage law and the government’s approach towards its Western allies.
According to Haradinaj, the government is making critical mistakes that pose significant risks.
“I think the politics of Kosovo and I speak of the government represented by Albin Kurti, has drawn a knife behind our back to our most sublime values: the nation’s interests and the trust established between Albanians and NATO, particularly with the support of the United States,” stated Haradinaj.
The meeting convened by the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo is part of the opposition’s declared efforts to challenge the government’s response to the crisis in the northern regions. Tensions escalated in late May when newly elected Albanian mayors in northern Kosovo assumed office with the support of the police, after Serbs boycotted the local elections held in April.
Haradinaj firmly believes that the only viable solution for the country at present is the removal of the current government. He appealed for support from other opposition parties and hoped to garner the backing of other veterans associated with the Self-Determination group.
Haradinaj criticized Prime Minister Albin Kurti for his treatment of Kosovo Liberation Army veterans, branding it as disrespectful, unpatriotic, and unbecoming of a statesman.
The Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, as part of the opposition, has submitted a request to the Constitutional Court of Kosovo, seeking an assessment of the constitutionality of the recently approved Minimum Wage Law. The law had sparked significant reactions after being passed by parliament two weeks ago.
The Minimum Wage Law aims to raise the minimum wage to 264 euros from the current 130 euros to 170 euros but does not encompass veterans of the Kosovo Liberation Army.
The Office of the President of Kosovo stated that President Vjosa Osmani will not sign the Minimum Wage Law without a decision from the Constitutional Court.
Xhavit Jashari, the head of the Association of Families of Martyrs of the Kosovo Liberation Army, expressed his commitment to continue protests against the government’s decisions related to the minimum wage.
“The recent decisions of this government betray the state, its institutions and most importantly, the veterans of the Kosovo Liberation Army,” Jashari stated.
The Kosovo Government clarified that the new Minimum Wage Law involves changes to the Law on Veterans. Until the final categorization of the veterans’ list is determined, the government will decide on the amount of pensions based on this law.
The Minimum Wage Law was passed without the presence of the opposition during a session marked by physical clashes in parliament. The incident raised concerns about deepening political divisions at a time when Kosovo is facing one of its most profound crises in its relations with international allies due to the current situation in the northern region of the country.
