On Thursday, Kosovo opposition Vetevendosje (LVV) party started to collect MP signatures to file a no-confidence motion against the Hoti Government.
In a press conference, Rexhep Selimi and Arberie Nagavci of LVV said they decided to start the motion following the risk of a COVID-19 “humanitarian crisis” in the country as a result of the irresponsible work of the “illegitimate government”.
They blamed the Hoti government for the high number of coronavirus-related deaths, and claimed it does not have a plan to face the situation and recover the economy.
They listed other alleged failures of the government: stopping the work for vetting in the justice system, replacing board members of public companies with party supporters, lifting reciprocity measures with Serbia, stopping to seek membership in international organizations, lacking a platform for negotiations with Serbia, assigning an unelected person as negotiator.
Filing a no-confidence motion requires 40 MP signatures, one-third of the 120 seats in the Kosovo parliament. LVV said they have collected 31 signatures so far, all from LVV MPs.
The opposition Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) is yet to decide on whether to support the motion with their 24 votes.
Governing coalition members AAK of Ramush Haradinaj and NISMA of Fatmir Limaj have announced their opposition to the motion.
The motion comes after an arrest warrant issued against MP Etem Arifi following his sentencing for embezzlement. Arifi secured the indispensable 61th vote for the formation of the Hoti Government despite having been sentenced to prison. The issue is being reviewed by the Constitutional Court.
Arifi’s departure from parliament leaves the government with one vote short in support.
Coalition partner AAK’s Haradinaj has also voiced concerns against the government regarding lack of inclusiveness and of US presence in the dialogue with Serbia.
