Hopes Rise in Kosovo for Deal on New Government

As talks on the formation of a new government in Kosovo appear to near completion, President Hashim Thaci has summoned a "constitutive session" of the new parliament on December 24.

Kosovo held legislative elections in October. But the two parties that won most votes in the snap elections, Vetevendosje, led by Albin Kurti, and the Democratic League of Kosovo, LDK, led by Isa Mustafa, have not yet reached a final coalition agreement.

However, the outcome of the ongoing talks will likely prompt President Thaci to nominate Kurti as the new prime minister-designate, after which Kurti will have 15 days to submit his list of ministers.

The constitution does not set a clear deadline for talks on forming a government to end, but according to both main parties, the finishing line is now in sight.

Both parties say they have agreed on aligning their governing platforms. However, differences remain on the division of ministerial seats. The leaders of the two parties met last on Wednesday.

LDK spokesman Besian Mustafa told the media after that meeting that "the two leaders have agreed to intensify meetings until an agreement is reached", announcing fresh talks for Thursday and over the weekend.

Meanwhile, Lumir Abdixhiku, from the LDK leadership, claimed on Wednesday night on TV that the LDK negotiations with Vetevendosje would either end within a week, or there would not be an agreement at all.