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Kosovo Parliament Fails to Elect Prime Minister, Triggers Early Election

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, November 19th 2025 at 14:27 GMT by KSTP-TV

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Kosovo Heads for an Early Election After Parliament Fails to Form a Government

In a dramatic turn of events that could reshape the political landscape of the Balkans, Kosovo’s parliament failed to elect a prime minister on a second vote, setting the stage for an early general election. The deadlock, which has now pushed the country into a new round of political uncertainty, underscores the deep divisions that have long plagued Kosovo’s post-independence democracy.

The Immediate Trigger: Two Failed Votes

On Monday, after an arduous two‑day negotiation process, Kosovo’s unicameral parliament convened to vote on the nominee of the ruling coalition for the position of prime minister. In the first round, the candidate—an incumbent with the backing of the majority of the parliamentary bloc—fell short of the 41‑vote threshold needed to win. A second attempt, scheduled for the same day, produced the same result, leaving the chamber without a head of government.

The failure to elect a prime minister is not just a procedural hiccup; it effectively stalls the functioning of the executive branch. Without a recognized head of government, the administration cannot appoint ministers, pass legislation, or steer the country’s policy agenda. In the constitution of Kosovo, a lack of a prime minister for more than 60 days triggers an automatic call for new elections.

Political Context: A Fragmented Parliament

The root of the impasse lies in Kosovo’s fractured political landscape. The 2021 elections had produced a hung parliament, with no single party commanding an outright majority. The newly elected legislative body is composed of a mix of nationalist, pro‑Western, and anti‑Western parties, each with divergent agendas.

• Vetëvendosje (Self‑Determination), led by former President Albin Kurti, secured the most seats but remains out of power due to its refusal to form a coalition with parties it deems corrupt or too pro‑Serbian.
• The Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), a party that has repeatedly aligned with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), maintains a central position in coalition talks but has faced criticism for its perceived closeness to the Serbian government.
• The Social Democratic Party of Kosovo (SDPK), a smaller but strategically placed party, is seen as a potential kingmaker, with its leader holding significant influence in parliamentary negotiations.

The failure to form a coalition reflects a broader stalemate over the appointment of key ministries, particularly the Interior Ministry, and disagreements over the country’s approach to the European Union accession process. The two factions—one pro‑EU, the other wary of rapid integration—have clashed over how Kosovo should address corruption and rule of law challenges that are prerequisites for EU membership.

The Role of the President

President Vjosa Osmani, who has served as a symbol of national unity, found herself in a difficult position. She had promised to facilitate coalition talks but has been criticized by opposition parties for not taking a firmer stance in favor of a coalition that would bring stability. Her office has called for a “fresh start” and urged the parties to return to the negotiating table. The president’s ability to convene a new round of talks will be crucial in determining whether the stalemate can be broken before the constitutional deadline of 60 days.

International Reactions

The European Union and the United States have both expressed concern over the political gridlock. In a joint statement, EU officials said that stability in Kosovo is essential for the broader stability of the Western Balkans and that the country’s EU integration efforts depend on a functioning democratic process. The U.S., through the State Department, urged all parties to “respect the democratic process and find a solution that respects the will of the people.”

The United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), which has been a stabilizing presence since 1999, has issued a call for “peaceful and constructive political dialogue.” UNMIK’s Secretary-General highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong rule of law and ensuring that all political actors adhere to international human rights standards.

Implications for the 2024 Election

The early election, tentatively scheduled for the second quarter of 2024, could produce significant shifts in the balance of power. A stronger Vetëvendosje could push Kosovo closer to EU membership, whereas a new coalition led by nationalist parties could reinforce a more cautious approach to integration and heighten tensions with Serbia.

The election campaign is expected to revolve around several key themes:

• Corruption and Governance: A persistent concern that has eroded public trust in the political elite.
• EU Accession: A central point of debate, with pro‑EU parties advocating rapid integration versus others warning of the risks of premature membership.
• Security and Relations with Serbia: The status of Kosovo’s borders, the presence of Serbian communities, and the unresolved status of certain territories.

Given the volatility of Kosovo’s political climate, the early election may also test the resilience of its nascent democratic institutions. While some observers view it as a necessary reset, others fear it could entrench partisan divides and delay crucial reforms.

The Road Ahead

With the failure of the parliamentary vote, the next few weeks will be pivotal. The incumbent parties will need to either find a common ground to form a coalition or accept the constitutional call for an early election. Meanwhile, international actors will likely intensify their diplomatic efforts to encourage dialogue and ensure a peaceful transition.

The outcome of this crisis will have lasting implications for Kosovo’s democratic trajectory and its aspirations for European integration. As the nation faces the possibility of a fresh electoral mandate, the eyes of the region and the world remain focused on how Kosovo will navigate the delicate balance between domestic politics and international expectations.