Kosovo’s acting Prime Minister and leader of the Vetëvendosje Movement (LVV), Albin Kurti, stated that the party will not withdraw the candidacy of Albulena Haxhiu for Speaker of the Kosovo Assembly.

“Let’s not play this negative game. We must respect each other’s proposals and aim for a presidency [of the Assembly] based on merit,” Kurti said in an interview with Radio Television of Kosovo, aired Tuesday evening.

Although the right to propose a Speaker lies exclusively with the election winner—LVV—Haxhiu is seen as a divisive figure by two parliamentary parties: the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), both of which have requested that LVV nominate another candidate.

The process of constituting the new Kosovo Assembly has stalled precisely over the election of the Speaker.

MPs must elect the Speaker and five Deputy Speakers in order to formally constitute the new Assembly.

Only after that can a new government be formed.

Kurti stated he is open to compromises and concessions during the government formation process.

He mentioned potential partners such as minority parties and Fatmir Limaj’s Social Democratic Initiative (Nisma).

To those who doubt he has the necessary votes to form a government, Kurti said, “Test me.”

According to him, a governing coalition with the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), minority parties, and Nisma could secure up to 80 votes in the Assembly.

He confirmed that meetings have taken place with Limaj and that mutual trust has increased, though no concrete agreement has been reached.