Kosovo’s PM and President Clash Again over Virus Crisis

President Hashim Thaci said on Tuesday morning that he has asked Kosovo's Constitutional Court to rule against new measures restricting people's freedom of movement as part of attempts to tackle the coronavirus outbreak.

"I have also addressed a letter to Prime Minister [Albin] Kurti to reconsider his decision which has created great panic, confusion, uncertainty and fear among citizens," Thaci told a press conference.

He also said he has asked Kurti to suspend the new measures until the Constitutional Court makes its ruling.

Thaci on Monday night called on the Kosovo police and public to disregard the restrictions, claiming that the government had "flagrantly violated the constitution of Kosovo".

He insisted that "citizens' rights and freedoms can be restricted only by declaring a state of emergency. And only the Assembly of Kosovo can declare it."

The new measures imposed by the government late on Monday place more stringent restrictions on both public and private gatherings and prohibit the movement of private vehicles and citizens between 10am and 4pm, and again between 8pm and 6am.

Exceptions will be made for those with medical needs, those producing, supplying or selling essential goods, as well as essential government and municipal personnel, among others.

The current dispute erupted when Thaci signed a decree on March 17 to call a state of emergency, although it has not yet been ratified by MPs.

According to Kosovo's constitution, a state of emergency declared by the president and approved by the Assembly shifts the government's power to the Security Council, which is chaired by Thaci.

The row has engulfed the governing coalition and led to a potential no-confidence motion against Kurti's government.

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