Serwer: Montenegro's stalemate undermines Kosovo's image as a success story of democracy

American professor and analyst Daniel Serwer has named the political stalemate created in the Kosovo Assembly as a typical dispute over parliamentary systems, but stressed that the country's Constitution does not offer a clear mechanism for resolving it.

“This is a kind of a dispute often encountered in parliamentary systems, yet the Kosovo Constitution does not offer a clear mechanism for resolving it. Of course, for Kosovo it is a serious obstacle not to have a fully functional and empowered government”, Cerwer said in an interview for RTK.

According to him, it undermines Kosovo's image as a success story of democracy in the Balkans, as the country remains without functional government. However, he does not expect such a situation to lead to internal instability.

As for the response of Western allies, Serwer stressed that the US and the EU view this crisis as a temporary challenge, not as a long-term problem.

He warned that Kosovo cannot move towards Euro-Atlantic integration without a functional government.

“Preparing for NATO and the EU may continue, but without legislation adopted by many parts of EU legislation cannot be implemented”.

In the end, he called on political leaders to reach an agreement on forming the new government, remembering that democracy is the long-term process and that every country, including the United States, faces such challenges.

Total interview: 

Journal: How did the current situation in the Kosovo Parliament interpret it is simply a routine political dispute or reflect deeper institutional weaknesses?

Serwer: This is a kind of disagreement often faced in parliamentary systems. However, the Kosovo constitution does not offer a clear mechanism for resolving it.

Journal: To what extent does this crisis affect the trust of citizens in democracy and state institutions?

Serwer: Appreciate it better than me if citizens are really worried. On the outside, it seems that society continues to function normally.

Journal: Kosovo is often described as a “success story of democracy” in the Balkans. Do repeated political urges threaten to damage this image?

Serwer: No doubt, yes. For Kosovo, it is a serious obstacle not to have a fully functional and empowered government.

Journal: What could be the consequences for Kosovo's internal stability if the crisis continues unresolved?

Serwer: I do not expect internal instability as a result.

Journal: How does this parliamentary crisis affect Kosovo's position in the dialogue with Serbia weaken or strengthen its stance?

Serwer: The dialogue, in fact, is suspended not only because of the situation in Kosovo, but also because Serbia has shown no willingness to implement the agreements reached earlier. In that sense, the crisis weakens Kosovo in general.

Journal: Is Serbia likely to exploit this moment of internal disagreement in Kosovo to advance its diplomatic agenda?

Serwer: Belgrade will probably try. However, the domestic situation in Serbia is less stable and less democratic than that in Kosovo.

Journal: How are the United States and the European Union expected to interpret this deadlock as a temporary challenge or as a sign of long-term problems?

Serwer: I don't think this is a reflection of the deepest and long-term problems. Kosovo has been rotating power repeatedly without this kind of blockade, which this time has been created by an unclear election result and stubborn politicians.

Journal: Can this situation affect Kosovo's progress towards Euro-Atlantic integration and relations with Western allies?

Serwer: Kosovo cannot make political progress without a fully functional government. Preparations for NATO and the EU may continue, but without adopted legislation, many parts of the acquis communautaire cannot be implemented.

Journal: What would be the most urgent steps political leaders have to take to restore functionality and trust in institutions?

Serwer: Coming to an agreement on forming a functional and empowered government is the first necessary step.

Journal: Looking forward, do you believe Kosovo has the capacity to strengthen its democratic culture and avoid similar crises in the future?

Serwer: Yes. Democracy does not develop overnight, and every democracy faces challenges. The United States today is also facing some very serious challenges.