CNN Reports Brawl in Kosovo Parliament: Opposition and Ruling Party MPs Clash
Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani has condemned the violent brawl that erupted in Kosovo’s parliament on Thursday, according to CNN’s affiliate N1. In a live video broadcast of the parliament session, Prime Minister Albin Kurti was interrupted by opposition MPs and had water thrown at him following shoving and brawling between the ruling Vetevendosje party and opposition MPs.
The incident occurred while Kurti was speaking about easing tensions in northern Kosovo, an area that witnessed violent clashes in May when ethnic Serbs protested the installation of ethnically Albanian mayors. The scuffle ensued between MPs who came to Kurti’s defense and those who opposed him.
Glass was also heard breaking during the brawl, and the President of the Kosovo Assembly, Gljauk Konjufca, was heard calling the police in the video. The live broadcast from the session was subsequently interrupted.
Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani spoke out against the violence on Facebook, stating that such actions have “no place” in politics. She emphasized that using physical violence to address political discontent or differences is detrimental to the institutions that were built with great sacrifice. “Violence has no place in the temple of democracy and cannot become a political tool,” she stated firmly. Osmani called for a reaffirmation of commitment to democracy, different thinking, and mutual respect based on the rule of law.
Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama also condemned the brawl and expressed his disappointment. He called upon the opposition to distance itself from such behavior, stating that it was shameful and tarnished the reputation of Kosovo and Albanians worldwide. Rama emphasized the importance of fighting with ideas and words, rather than resorting to insults and violence.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, following a war in which Kosovan Albanians sought to break away from the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. However, Serbia does not recognize Kosovo as an independent state. The majority of Kosovo’s population is ethnically Albanian, but ethnic Serbs are the majority in some areas, particularly in the restive north, where demands for greater autonomy have been increasing.