Kosovo fails to elect govt in months-long crisis

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, October 26th 2025 at 15:29 GMT by The Daily Star

Election results and the political landscape

The 120‑seat Assembly of Kosovo was won by the ruling coalition of Vetëvendosje (the “Self‑Determination” movement) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK). Vetëvendosje, led by former prime minister Albin Kurti, secured 39 seats, while the LDK, the historic party of former president Fatmir Sejdiu, won 38 seats. The opposition forces—most notably the Serbian minority party, the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) led by former president Hashim Thaçi, and the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK)—took the remaining 43 seats.

While Vetëvendosje and LDK combined hold a narrow majority (77 seats), the two parties have long been political rivals. Vetëvendosje is known for its nationalist stance, its anti‑corruption agenda, and its refusal to accept the autonomy that Kosovo’s 2008 declaration of independence was negotiated under. LDK, meanwhile, is more pragmatic, willing to work within the existing institutions and to collaborate with Serbia on issues of minority rights and economic integration. The stark differences in their visions for Kosovo’s future have made any coalition agreement a formidable challenge.

Failed coalition negotiations

The parties began formal coalition talks immediately after the election. In a televised interview on 9 May, Vetëvendosje’s leader, Albin Kurti, demanded that any new coalition commit to restoring the “sovereign status” of Kosovo and to refuse to sign any bilateral agreements that would undermine its independence. The LDK, on the other hand, urged a pragmatic approach that would allow it to enter the government and push for economic reforms.

Negotiations stalled on several key issues:

1. Reconciliation with Serbia – Vetëvendosje insisted on a hard‑line stance against Serbia’s “Greater Serbia” project, whereas LDK was prepared to negotiate a framework for cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, and the return of refugees.
2. Economic Policy – The parties had divergent priorities. Vetëvendosje demanded a sweeping anti‑corruption campaign and increased public sector wages, while LDK sought fiscal restraint and investment from the European Union (EU) and the United States (US).
3. Security and Border Issues – Vetëvendosje demanded full control over the security of the southern regions bordering Serbia, a demand LDK could not accept without risking a violent escalation.

By 20 May, the two parties had failed to reach a formal agreement. The Assembly’s convenor, Senad Ramović, announced that no government would be formed before the end of the month. The Assembly’s rules required a simple majority vote for a prime‑minister candidate; thus, with a 39‑seat Vetëvendosje block and a 38‑seat LDK block, any nominee would need at least one external partner to secure the necessary 61 votes.

Domestic reactions and public protest

The failure to form a government sparked a wave of protests across the capital, Pristina, and other major cities. On 22 May, demonstrators blocked traffic on the main boulevard and called for “a new, stable government” and “the end of political brinkmanship.” Some protestors demanded the resignation of the current Assembly speaker, while others demanded the early dissolution of parliament and a fresh election.

The protests reflected deeper public frustration. A recent survey by the European Stability Initiative found that 64 % of Kosovars were dissatisfied with the political establishment, citing corruption, lack of jobs, and a stalled European Union integration process. The protests also underscored the ethnic divide: while the majority of protesters were ethnic Albanians, a sizable Serbian minority participated, urging the government to protect minority rights and prevent the escalation of tensions with Serbia.

International response

The European Union, the United States, and neighboring countries have all expressed concern over the crisis. On 25 May, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, called on the parties to “resume dialogue immediately” and warned that the situation could threaten the region’s stability. The US State Department issued a statement urging the Kosovo leadership to “reach a comprehensive, durable solution that respects Kosovo’s sovereignty while protecting the rights of all citizens.”

In the region, the Serbian government, led by President Aleksandar Vučić, maintained a cautious stance. Vučić called for “respect for democratic processes” but also emphasized that Serbia would continue to advocate for the rights of the Serbian minority in Kosovo. In a speech to the Serbian parliament on 28 May, Vučić warned that the crisis could have “long‑term consequences” for the relationship between the two states.

Political ramifications and the path forward

Given the deadlock, many observers predict that a new election will be called in the near future. The Assembly’s rules allow for a “vote of confidence” or “vote of no confidence” in the sitting prime minister—both mechanisms could trigger a snap election if a majority of members side with the opposition.

Former Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi, the head of the opposition PDK, has already announced that he will be a candidate for the next election, should a new parliamentary term be called. Thaçi’s platform is based on “pragmatic engagement” with the EU and a more collaborative approach to the Serbian minority.

In the meantime, the Assembly has convened a special session on 5 June to discuss the possibility of a coalition with the AAK party, which holds 12 seats. The AAK, led by Vjosa Osmani, a former opposition figure turned president, has expressed willingness to act as a “bridge party.” However, both Vetëvendosje and LDK have issued statements indicating that they remain open to negotiations only if the AAK commits to a clear anti‑corruption platform and a firm stance on Kosovo’s sovereignty.

Conclusion

Kosovo’s failure to elect a government after the 6 May 2024 election has plunged the country into a months‑long crisis that threatens its political stability and its aspirations for European integration. The impasse underscores the deep divisions between Vetëvendosje’s nationalist agenda and LDK’s pragmatic approach to governance, while also highlighting the broader challenges of reconciling Kosovo’s sovereignty with the rights of its Serbian minority. International actors remain engaged, but the key to resolution lies within the Assembly’s ability to form a coalition that can command a majority in the parliament. As of the latest developments, the political horizon remains uncertain, with the prospect of fresh elections looming on the horizon.