Kosovo parties will seize chance to unseat government

Significance

Haradinaj was earlier summoned as a suspect to the Kosovo Specialist Chambers (SC), part of the Kosovo judicial system but sitting in The Hague and with a mandate to try war crimes and crimes against humanity. His resignation is likely to trigger fresh elections and affect Kosovo’s stance in the status debate with Serbia, although much depends on the composition of the next government.

Impacts

• The start, albeit belated, to addressing war crimes by the Kosovo Liberation Army is a significant step.
• Haradinaj's summons to the SC has united Albanians in both Kosovo and Albania around him, as a figure many see as a national hero.
• Conversely, the reopening of criminal procedures has caused satisfaction in Serbia, where many believe Haradinaj unfairly escaped justice.