Kurti proposes deputy prime minister with the indictment... ... Fikrim Damka returns to the government despite investigation.

Flirim Damka, former Regional Development Minister in the last term, has been proposed tonight by Prime Minister Albin Kurti as the third deputy prime minister for minority issues. The proposal has prompted reactions due to the indictment weighing on Damka.

Currently, Damka and Besim Camberaj are charged with using the official post or authority” during August 16th 2021 period March 24th 2022. According to the indictment, they allegedly exceeded the legal competencies to benefit two non-governmental organisations, “Germin” and “Carias Switzerland”, causing Kosovo's budget damage of about 1.04 000 euros.

Damka has been one of two candidates from his party that took turns in the December 28th election, but after the recount, he lost the MP's mandate. National Election Co-ordinator to State Prosecutor Laura Pula has confirmed that he should be interviewed for vote manipulation.

“This is the only candidate who has lost the MP's mandate and has no doubt to be interviewed,” has declared Pula for Klan Kosova, adding that the issue remains under the prosecutor's exclusive authority to continue the investigation until the outcome.

Kurti's proposal for Damka, despite the ongoing indictment and investigation, is seen by many analysts as a risk of the new government's credibility and as a controversial message for fighting corruption.