Political crisis in Kosovo, Mero Base: Kurti's sly attempt has taken the state and the Constitution hostage only to not surrender power

Kosovo has been in a deep political crisis for four months. Political party leaders can never get together to find a solution that would save the country from major losses, as in relation to internationals, but also for membership in international organisations.

For recent developments in the country and for American President Donald Trump's warnings in an interview for Periscope, renowned journalist Mero Base spoke.

Base has estimated that this situation mostly coincides with the government Kurti in office, because in his opinion Kurti is not willing to hand over power.

As for Trump warnings, Kosovo's process connoisseur says the US president has no particular attention to the Kosovo conflict.

The full interview with Merro Basen is found below:

Periscope: It has been more than four months since the parliamentary elections in Kosovo, and so far we have 33 failed sessions. How did you comment on this institutional blockade?

Merro Base: Seen in the eye of a new state, which is under test to become a functional and internationally recognised state, this is a clear failure of the statehood and democratic culture of changing power. Basically, it is a decision to reject the outcome of the elections and to ignore the will of the people. This is the softest form of authoritarian state.

Politically, we are dealing with a insidious attempt to produce an artificial crisis, hoping that only in crisis can you survive.

From the electoral point of view, the only clear thing is that Albin Kurti will go to local elections as prime minister in office, because any unblocking of the current situation would bring him down. In a way, the government has taken the state and the Constitution hostage only to not surrender power.

Periscope: Former opposition parties are not voting VV candidate Albulen Haxhiu, saying he is not a unifying person. Do you think that only its name is an obstacle, or do there are no votes at all to elect the prime minister and then the government?

Merro Base: I don't personally know Albulen Hadziu and would not answer that question before the vote began. But a lady who agrees to be misused 33 times in a row and feels no responsibility for the consequences that Kosovo causes, does not deserve to be a cleaning woman in the Assembly offices, no longer its chairman. A lack of personality is one of the most dangerous diseases in democracy because it is the path of authoritarianism. And Mrs. Haxhiu has testified 33 times that he is not ashamed of being misused for a political crisis. This tells a lot about the way Albin Kurti has chosen to hold Kosovo hostage.

Periscope: The LDK has proposed a “National Unity Government” as a solution to the crisis. Is this a real way of unlocking the situation?

Merro Base: In current circumstances, when Kosovo is experiencing a gradual loss of allies and international interest, a national unity government with broad consensus until new elections would be a reasonable solution and should not be ignored. But such a proposal cannot be put into public by a single party, because then it turns into an excuse not to take it seriously.

The opposition must come together and speak in a voice. Such proposals should come out of a common table of opposition parties, not from a party press conference that has no single power to decide anything. Going out on your own, losing the weight of the opposition only when it's united. If it doesn't stick together, then legitimacy is with Albin Kurt, because he has a majority.

Periscope: President Vjosa Osmani organised a meeting with political leaders to find solutions, but without result. How do you see its role and approach?

Merro Base: Vjosa Osmani has very little in his power to influence this crisis. All I can do is show that she's not in a wave length with Albin Kurtin and that, for the sake of truth, she's doing it.

Periscope: Donald Trump spoke recently about Kosovo's (Serbia) dialogue, saying it would be “regulated”. How do you see his statements and Kurt's request for the handover of Milan Radojici?

Merro Base: We have to be realistic. President Trump does not have any particular attention to the Kosovo conflict Serbia. His statement refers to an event that did not have the effect he claims. This is an alarm signal for the political class in Kosovo because no one is taking their problems seriously anymore.

They simply have to form institutions as soon as possible and act responsibly against the international factor. Trump speaks of the history of the conflict, Kurti for everyday troubles, but both are so far apart and from the reality of Kosovo, that their statements are of no use to anyone.

Periscope: Does Kosovo need a government with Albin Kurti prime minister or a government with opposition parties?

Merro Base: Kosovo needs a legitimate government. Albin Kurti has been voted the largest party, but not as the absolute winner. If the opposition remains united, it represents the legitimate majority to govern. Political will, unity, and respect of constitutional procedures are needed for resolving the stalemate.

A historic date is approaching July 2nd, reminding us that 35 years ago, on July 2, 1990, MPs were about to be killed to make the constitution. And today, they're ready to go “to kill” for Albulen Hadziu. This is the worst sign of the reggression that has undergone Kosovo's desire for statehood.

Periscope: Donika Gervala said that “now we defend the country”, while Kosovo was previously vulnerable. How did you comment on this statement?

Merro Base: I only pray to God that Kosovo will not be tested to be protected by Donika Grovalla as it has only remained with the “Guxo” list. I don't know how someone who lived in Kosovo less than any ordinary citizen protects the country. He only came as minister. She can't even as ordinary citizens live in Kosovo no longer as a <x2-combatant”.

Interviewed: Iliriana Jaylan