Kosovo held its parliamentary elections on February 9, 2025, marking a significant moment in the country’s political landscape. Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s party, Vetëvendosje, emerged as the frontrunner but failed to secure a majority, leading to potential coalition negotiations amid ongoing economic and diplomatic challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Albin Kurti’s Vetëvendosje party won approximately 41% of the votes but lacks a majority in the 120-seat parliament.
- The Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) are the main opposition parties, with 22% and 18% of the votes, respectively.
- Political analysts predict a prolonged period of coalition talks, which may lead to instability in governance.
- Kosovo’s economic challenges and stalled negotiations with Serbia remain pressing issues for the new government.
Election Overview
The elections were characterized by a voter turnout of around 40%, a decline from previous elections. With no party achieving a clear majority, Kosovo faces a complex political landscape. Kurti’s Vetëvendosje party, which has been in power since 2021, is now tasked with forming a coalition government, a process that could take weeks.
Political Landscape
The results indicate a shift in the political dynamics of Kosovo:
- Vetëvendosje (VV): 41% of the votes
- Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK): 22% of the votes
- Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK): 18% of the votes
- Alliance for Kosovo’s Future (AAK): 7.6% of the votes
The Serbian List, representing the ethnic Serb minority, is expected to secure all 10 reserved seats in parliament, potentially playing a crucial role in coalition negotiations.
Challenges Ahead
The new government will face significant challenges, including:
- Economic Instability: Kosovo remains one of the poorest countries in Europe, with high unemployment rates and a reliance on foreign aid, which has been dwindling.
- Diplomatic Relations with Serbia: The normalization of relations with Serbia is a critical issue, with Kurti’s government previously taking a hardline stance that has strained ties.
- Coalition Building: The need for coalition partners may lead to compromises that could dilute the party’s agenda and hinder decisive governance.
Conclusion
As Kosovo embarks on this new chapter, the political landscape remains uncertain. The inability of any party to secure a majority signals a potential for instability, with coalition talks likely to dominate the coming weeks. The new government will need to address pressing economic issues and navigate the complex relationship with Serbia to ensure stability and progress for the nation.
Sources
- Kosovo’s ruling party leads in parliamentary elections but fails to secure majority, France 24.
- Kosovo faces political uncertainty as ruling party fails to secure election majority | Kosovo | The Guardian, The Guardian.
- Kosovo votes for new parliament as foreign aid dwindles and talks with Serbia are stalled, Voice of America English News.
- Kosovo’s governing party wins parliamentary election but without majority, preliminary results show | AP News, AP News.
- Kurti wins again in Kosovo, but governing will be complex, Eunews.
