According to Kosovar journalist Rid Berisha, the clash between Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Assembly President Vjosa Osmani is essentially a fight for supremacy. Berisha was a guest on Euronews Albania this Friday, where he analyzed the conflict surrounding a letter regarding the Association of Serb Municipalities that the Kosovo government sent to the Council of Europe (CoE) without consulting President Osmani.
 |
| Vjosa Osmani and Albin Kurti (montage) |
Berisha stated that the Kurti-Osmani conflict is a power struggle over who will be the primary leader of the country. He emphasized that, as Kosovo approaches an election year, this clash is likely to intensify as both figures seek public attention.
"This is a 'Game of Thrones' battle, a fight for the top position and for being the main protagonist in this process. Kurti does not seem to feel the weight of his role in the same way that Osmani does, as she is perceived by the international community as a serious and reliable interlocutor in Pristina. However, Kurti is the main address with which the international community needs to coordinate," Berisha explained.
He pointed out that tensions between the two have existed before but were not as visible, particularly regarding the draft statute of the Association of Serb Municipalities. Osmani had insisted that Kosovo should draft the statute before Kurti accepts the draft from the Serb-majority municipalities, a stance Kurti apparently ignored.
Further clashes occurred when Osmani declared that the association must be sent to the Constitutional Court at all costs. This suggests that the president has significant reservations about this process. Given the upcoming electoral year, it seems that Osmani might be trying to garner public attention as the country prepares for elections.
Berisha highlighted that President Osmani has consistently sent signals expressing her doubts about the association process, demonstrating her active engagement and concern over the matter. This involvement contrasts with Kurti's approach, where he is seen as the main figure for international coordination, creating a dynamic of competing leadership.
As Kosovo heads towards a crucial election year, the power struggle between Kurti and Osmani will likely become more pronounced, with both leaders vying for dominance and public support in their quest to steer the nation's future.