Kosovo Presidency Transition Reports Albulena Haxhiu as Acting Head of State in Balkans

 Albulena Haxhiu has officially assumed the role of acting president of Kosovo on April 4, following the expiration of President Vjosa Osmani’s mandate, marking a significant moment in the country’s political transition.

Albulena Haxhiu at a press conference and the Kosovo flag in the background

At 38, Haxhiu will lead Kosovo’s institutions temporarily while lawmakers of the 10th legislature face a constitutional deadline—until April 28—to elect a new president. If they fail to do so, the country could head toward early elections within 45 days, adding uncertainty to the political landscape in the Balkans.

According to Kosovo’s Constitution, the role of acting president cannot extend beyond six months. Upon taking office, Haxhiu emphasized her awareness of the responsibilities tied to the position, pledging to act in full accordance with constitutional and legal frameworks. Her appointment comes shortly after she was elected Speaker of Parliament on February 11, the same day the new government was formed.

Haxhiu’s rise to the top state role reflects a 16-year political journey within the ruling Vetëvendosje movement. Her path has been marked by persistence, including more than 50 unsuccessful proposals for her to become Speaker following the February 2025 parliamentary elections. Despite initial setbacks, she held the position of deputy speaker for several months before eventually securing the role.

A prominent political figure in Kosovo, Haxhiu has served as a member of parliament for seven consecutive terms since joining the legislature in 2011. Over the years, she has held key positions including Minister of Justice, a role she first assumed in 2020 and continued in subsequent governments. She also chaired the parliamentary committee on legislation and anti-corruption oversight for two mandates.

Her political career has not been without controversy. During her time in opposition, Haxhiu was actively involved in protests and faced multiple arrests. In 2018, she received a suspended sentence related to the use of tear gas in parliament, part of efforts by Vetëvendosje lawmakers to block agreements with Montenegro and on the Association of Serb-majority municipalities. More recently, in 2023, she was involved in a physical altercation during a tense parliamentary session.

Despite challenges, Haxhiu remains one of the most voted female politicians in Kosovo, securing over 125,000 votes in the February 2025 elections and more than 174,000 in December. Her temporary leadership now places her at the center of Kosovo’s political developments during a critical constitutional period.