Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti has said he intends to quickly form a new government after his party emerged as the clear winner in Sunday’s election, raising hopes of ending nearly a year of political paralysis that has stalled parliamentary work and delayed crucial international funding.
The election was the second to be held in Kosovo this year, after Kurti’s Vetevendosje Party failed to secure an outright majority in February. Months of unsuccessful coalition negotiations followed, prompting President Vjosa Osmani to dissolve parliament in November and call for fresh polls in an effort to break the deadlock.
With nearly all ballots counted, Kurti’s party was leading with 49.3 per cent of the vote. Addressing supporters at his party headquarters, Kurti said that once the results are formally certified, the process of constituting parliament and forming a new government should move forward without delay. He stressed that the country could not afford further stagnation and called for swift political cooperation.
Kurti also appealed to opposition lawmakers to support key international loan agreements that require a two-thirds majority in parliament, warning that delays could jeopardise vital financial assistance. Supporters celebrated his apparent victory in the capital Pristina, waving party flags and setting off fireworks despite freezing temperatures.
Political analysts cautioned that forming a government without coalition partners could still be challenging. Although Kurti’s party came close to a majority, the final seat count remains uncertain as votes from the diaspora and conditional ballots have yet to be fully tallied. Experts noted that while a single-party government may be difficult, Kurti could form a stable administration with the backing of a small number of minority or allied parties.
The main opposition parties — the Democratic Party and the Democratic League — trailed significantly, securing about 21 per cent and 13.6 per cent of the vote respectively. Their refusal to join Kurti in government has been a key factor behind the prolonged political stalemate.
The impasse has come at a sensitive time for Kosovo. Parliament must soon elect a new president and approve nearly one billion euros in loans from the European Union and the World Bank, funds that are critical for the country’s economy and risk expiring if not ratified soon. Opposition leaders have criticised Kurti’s approach to relations with Western allies and his handling of tensions in the Serb-majority north, while Kurti has accused them of blocking progress for political gain.
During the campaign, Kurti sought to attract voters by promising higher wages for public sector employees, increased capital investment, and stronger action against organised crime. Improving living standards emerged as a central concern for voters, reflected in a turnout of about 45 per cent.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 with strong backing from the United States and its NATO allies, following years of conflict. Despite international recognition, the country continues to face economic challenges, political instability and strained relations with Serbia. Kurti’s previous term, which began in 2021, marked the first time a government completed a full mandate.
Tensions with Serbia escalated again in 2023, leading the European Union to impose sanctions on Kosovo. Although Brussels has since signalled its intention to lift those measures following local elections in Serb-majority areas, the dispute has already cost Kosovo hundreds of millions of euros. Kurti’s ability to form a stable government now will be crucial in determining whether the country can move past its political impasse and regain momentum both domestically and internationally.
