Sibel Halimi of the Democratic League of Kosovo has voiced strong criticism of how women are being positioned in the ongoing political deadlock surrounding the appointment of the country’s parliamentary speaker. Her remarks come after the Vetëvendosje Movement proposed two women—Albulena Haxhiu and Donika Gërvalla—for the role, despite clear signals from opposition parties that neither candidate would receive the required votes.
Women as Political Tools, Not Agents of Change
Halimi argued that the debate reflects a troubling trend of women being presented as symbolic figures rather than genuine agents of political transformation. Quoting American feminist philosopher Judith Butler, she noted that politics often “recycles the presence of women, making it a scripted role, rather than a real space for action.”
She stated, “The failure to constitute the Assembly is not only an institutional crisis; it is also a symptom of a deeper regression of social emancipation. Women, placed at the center of these political struggles, are not presenting themselves as subjects of freedom, but as instrumentalized figures in the game of power.”
According to Halimi, this practice turns representation into what Butler calls “empty performativity,” where women are visibly present but lack the space to bring meaningful change.
Emancipation as an Illusion
Halimi further criticized the superficial nature of political inclusion, suggesting that what appears to be progress is, in reality, a form of regression. “In this bitter irony, emancipation turns into an illusion, while the presence of women becomes a mask for the true lack of equality,” she said.
Her remarks suggest that gender representation alone is not enough to ensure equality—what is needed is structural change that allows women to exercise genuine political agency rather than merely fulfilling a symbolic role.
Parliamentary Deadlock and Political Maneuvering
The controversy stems from the recent parliamentary session where Vetëvendosje once again proposed Albulena Haxhiu for the speaker’s position, despite other political parties making it clear that they would not support her election. As an alternative, the party also proposed Donika Gërvalla, another former minister of the Kurti government, but her nomination similarly failed to gain the necessary backing.
The repeated proposals of candidates unlikely to secure votes have raised concerns about whether the process is genuinely aimed at building consensus or simply using female candidates as a political statement.
Judith Butler’s Perspective and Its Relevance
Halimi’s reference to Judith Butler is significant, as the philosopher has long argued that gender roles and identities are shaped by political and social practices rather than being inherently fixed. By invoking Butler, Halimi suggests that the political system in Kosovo is shaping women’s roles in ways that limit their potential for real influence, effectively scripting their participation instead of empowering them to lead.
This theoretical lens casts the current political impasse as more than a procedural issue—it becomes a reflection of deeper social and institutional attitudes toward women in leadership.
Broader Implications for Gender Equality in Kosovo
The debate underscores ongoing challenges in achieving gender equality within Kosovo’s political institutions. While women are increasingly visible in leadership roles, critics like Halimi argue that this visibility often lacks substance, with real decision-making power remaining concentrated elsewhere.
This raises important questions about how political structures in the country can move beyond symbolic inclusion to ensure that women have equal authority, influence, and freedom to shape policy.
Moving Toward Meaningful Representation
Halimi’s comments highlight the need for Kosovo’s political leaders to address not only the immediate parliamentary crisis but also the deeper issues surrounding representation, equality, and empowerment. Genuine progress, she implies, will require more than placing women at the center of political battles—it will require dismantling the barriers that reduce their roles to scripted performances.
The ongoing speaker debate remains unresolved, but it has opened up a larger conversation about how politics in Kosovo can evolve to ensure that representation translates into real power and social change.