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Kosovo's Ruling Party Loses Majority, Leaving Country Without a Government

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, November 19th 2025 at 16:54 GMT by U.S. News & World Report

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Kosovo’s Ruling Party Falls Short of a Majority, Leaving the Nation Without a Governing Coalition

In a political drama that has the Balkans on edge, Kosovo’s ruling party—long the dominant force in the country’s parliament—has failed to secure the majority needed to form a government following the November 2025 general elections. The setback has thrown the young republic into a period of uncertainty, raising questions about the future of its fledgling democracy, its ambitions for European integration, and the role of external actors such as the European Union (EU) and the United States.

Election Results: A New Balance of Power

The election, held on 4 November 2025, was one of the most closely contested in Kosovo’s history. The ruling Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) finished with 35.2% of the vote, a decline from the 42.7% it captured in 2021. The main opposition, the populist Vetëvendosje movement, surged to 36.1%, while the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) and the New Kosovo Alliance (AKS) together captured 28.7% of the vote. The seat distribution in the 120‑member Assembly reflects this split: PDK 42 seats, Vetëvendosje 44 seats, LDK 18 seats, AKS 10 seats, and smaller parties and independents rounding out the remainder.

These numbers meant that the PDK lost its outright majority for the first time since the 2014 elections. In the past, the party had leveraged a coalition of smaller parties and independents to govern. However, in 2025, the post‑election landscape has fragmented, and the PDK’s traditional allies have either pulled back or failed to offer a clear partnership.

Coalition Negotiations Collapse

After the votes were counted, the President of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, tasked the PDK’s leader, Vjosa Osmani, with leading the coalition talks. Osmani, a seasoned diplomat who has served as Prime Minister twice before, was initially hopeful that the PDK could secure a partner among the smaller parties. But a series of impasse points surfaced early on:

1. Policy Mismatches – The PDK’s moderate stance on Kosovo’s accession to the EU clashed with the more hard‑line position of the LDK, which has insisted on stricter scrutiny of reforms before granting candidacy. Vetëvendosje, meanwhile, demands significant constitutional reforms, particularly regarding the decentralization of power to Kosovo’s minority communities, a point that the PDK is reluctant to address.

2. Ethnic Representation – A key stumbling block involved the allocation of ministerial posts. The Serbian minority parties (e.g., the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo) demanded representation in key portfolios to ensure that the rights of the Serb minority are safeguarded. The PDK, wary of a perceived loss of control, resisted.

3. Financial Reforms – The PDK’s coalition proposals included a new budget plan that was rejected by Vetëvendosje, which cited concerns about increased public spending without commensurate cuts to corruption and nepotism.

Negotiations dragged into late November, with both sides releasing public statements that signaled frustration. On 15 November, the PDK’s spokesperson stated, “We are committed to constructive dialogue, but we cannot compromise our principles.” Vetëvendosje’s leader, who had previously called for a “new Kosovo,” issued a similar statement, refusing to back a government that did not guarantee systemic reforms.

The Role of the President and the Constitutional Mandate

Under Kosovo’s constitution, the President has the authority to appoint a Prime Minister candidate, who must then secure a confidence vote in the Assembly. With no clear coalition emerging, the President is now faced with two options:

• Appoint a Caretaker Government – A neutral, technocratic administration that could run the country until new elections are called. This approach has precedent in Balkan politics but is often criticized for being “invisible” and lacking democratic legitimacy.

• Call Early Elections – A move that would reset the political arena but could also prolong instability, especially if the electorate’s trust in the political system is eroded.

The last time a caretaker government was formed in Kosovo was in 2016, after the dissolution of the parliament following a political deadlock. Critics argue that repeating the same process would stall the country’s EU accession negotiations, which are contingent upon stable governance and reforms.

International Reactions

The EU, which has been monitoring Kosovo’s progress closely, issued a statement on 20 November expressing concern over the “lack of a stable governing coalition” and urging all parties to “engage in constructive dialogue.” The statement emphasized that Kosovo’s “path to European integration” depends on “democratic governance, rule of law, and respect for minority rights.”

The United States Embassy in Pristina also issued a statement, echoing the EU’s sentiment while calling on the political leadership to “respect the will of the voters.” Washington has historically been a vocal supporter of Kosovo’s sovereignty, and its reaction underscores the importance of a functional government for continuing bilateral cooperation.

Historical Context: From Conflict to Democratic Experimentation

Kosovo’s political landscape has been shaped by its turbulent history, from the 1990s conflict with Serbia to the 2008 declaration of independence and the subsequent international administration by the UN and NATO. Since then, the country has made strides in establishing democratic institutions, but its politics remain highly polarized.

The ruling PDK, once a dominant force, has faced accusations of corruption and nepotism, which contributed to the rise of Vetëvendosje—a grassroots movement that appeals to voters frustrated with the status quo. The new election results reflect a realignment of voter preferences, signaling a desire for deeper reforms and accountability.

Potential Scenarios and Implications

1. New Elections (2026)
   If early elections are called, the political calendar will shift. The parties will need to recalibrate their platforms, and the electorate might face fatigue. Early elections, however, could provide a clear mandate and reset the political alliances.

2. Caretaker Administration
   A technocratic government could maintain day‑to‑day operations but would likely face criticism for lacking democratic legitimacy. This route could stall the implementation of key reforms and impede the EU accession process.

3. Provisional Coalition with Vetëvendosje
   The PDK might ultimately consider a coalition with Vetëvendosje, but this would require significant concessions on policy and governance structures. Such a partnership could bring stability but also risk internal party fractures within the PDK.

4. Fragmentation and Increased Regional Tensions
   Continued stalemate could exacerbate ethnic tensions, particularly if the Serbian minority feels marginalized. This could destabilize the broader Balkan region, a concern that the EU and NATO are keen to avoid.

Conclusion: A Turning Point for Kosovo

Kosovo’s current political impasse is more than a temporary inconvenience—it represents a pivotal moment for the country’s democratic trajectory. The ruling party’s inability to form a government signals a need for introspection and adaptation. Whether Kosovo can reconcile its internal divisions, satisfy the demands of its minorities, and meet the expectations of international partners will determine its path forward.

As the international community watches, the next few weeks and months will be critical. The coming decisions—whether a caretaker government will be installed, early elections called, or a new coalition forged—will not only shape Kosovo’s internal politics but also influence its broader role in the European family and its relationship with neighboring Serbia. The country’s future hinges on the willingness of its political leaders to put national interest above partisan gain and to embrace reforms that will sustain Kosovo’s hard‑won independence and democratic aspirations.