Government proposes formation of religious communities with 100 signatures, criticised by MPs

MPs have also reviewed the first reading bill on changing and completing the Law on Religious Freedom in Kosovo, which has received support from all parliamentary groups but has not been put to the polls due to the absence of non-partisan deputies.

Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister Driton Selmanaj, introducing the law, called for MPs' support, saying they sent him to the Assembly following his review by the Venice Commission.

Despite receiving Vetevendosje's support, there was criticism for not including the Bektasian community, which received the support of Deputy Prime Minister Selmanaj for second reading completion.

Democratic Party of Kosovo MP Mergim Lushtaku said that for the formation of a religious community, there should be signatures of 1 per cent of Kosovo's population.

“I do not agree to have a record of 50 or 100 people, since if a person for mayor is registered needs at least 500 signatures“, he said.

Vetevendosje Movement MP Ehman Nundman said forming religious communities with the proposed number creates national risks.

And if we allow a 100-member religious community, then we'll have hundreds of religious communities, and they'll form religious mahales, no problem with what you've proposed as government”, he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Selmanaj has done a research, and in most democratic countries, the formation of religious communities requires even less than 100.

The Venice Commission report to them and they recommended it. They have said 10 is enough because freedom of confidence is entirely voluntary “, he said.

In the end, it has not been put to the polls due to the lack of minority deputies. Parliament Speaker Vjosa Osmani said the majority of 61 MPs and most of the minority votes are required for this law, since it is a law of particular interest.