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Kosovo Election: Albin Kurti Poised for Return as Prime Minister

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, December 28th 2025 at 21:50 GMT by Asia One

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Kosovo’s Kurti Poised to Return as Prime Minister After Election Victory – But Challenges Loom

Kosovo is on track to see Albin Kurti return as Prime Minister after his Self-Determination Movement (LVV) secured a decisive victory in snap parliamentary elections held on Sunday, October 16th. While the win marks a mandate for Kurti’s assertive and often controversial political style, it also comes with significant challenges – navigating delicate relations with Serbia, securing EU accession, and addressing internal divisions within Kosovo itself.

The AsiaOne article reports that LVV garnered approximately 47% of the vote, translating to 43 seats in the 120-seat parliament. This substantial lead effectively guarantees Kurti a new term, although he will still need to form a coalition government. The Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), historically a major player in Kosovar politics, suffered a significant decline, securing only 17% and 14 seats. The Srpska Lista, representing the Serb minority population in Kosovo, received around 5%, maintaining their presence but continuing to be a complex factor in the political landscape. The turnout was relatively low at approximately 46%, reflecting voter apathy and potentially disillusionment with the political process.

Kurti’s victory speech, as reported by AsiaOne, emphasized his commitment to rapid government formation and tackling pressing issues. He pledged to “immediately start working” on forming a new government and expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and LVV. He also reiterated his dedication to Kosovo's Euro-Atlantic integration, a key goal of his administration.

A Complex Relationship with Serbia Remains Central

The most significant challenge facing Kurti’s incoming government is undoubtedly the ongoing and deeply fraught relationship with Serbia. The two countries have been locked in a dispute since Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 – a move Belgrade has never recognized. Tensions flared dramatically earlier this year, particularly around license plates issued by Pristina to Kosovar Serbs living in northern Kosovo. These incidents led to protests and roadblocks, creating significant instability.

Kurti’s approach to Serbia has been characterized by firmness and a demand for reciprocity. He insists that any dialogue must be based on equality and mutual respect, rejecting what he perceives as Serbian attempts to dictate the terms of engagement. He has consistently criticized the role of international mediators in the process, arguing they often prioritize Belgrade's concerns over Kosovo’s sovereignty. While Kurti has expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue, his uncompromising stance has frequently been seen as an obstacle by some observers and international actors.

As reported by Reuters (linked within AsiaOne), the European Union is pushing for renewed high-level dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade under the auspices of Miroslav Lajčak, the EU’s special envoy. The EU's insistence on a comprehensive normalization agreement – reportedly including certain concessions from Kosovo – has created friction with Kurti. This normalization process is seen as crucial for both countries to advance towards EU membership.

EU Accession: A Long and Difficult Road

Speaking of EU accession, the AsiaOne article highlights that this remains a primary objective for Kosovo. However, progress has been slow and arduous. While Kosovo technically applied for candidate status in 2022, the process is complicated by internal reforms needed to meet EU standards, as well as ongoing concerns about the rule of law, corruption, and inter-ethnic relations.

The EU's conditions for accession are stringent, requiring significant progress in areas such as judicial reform and combating organized crime. Kurti’s government will need to demonstrate a commitment to these reforms and work collaboratively with Brussels to address the identified shortcomings. Furthermore, the broader geopolitical context – particularly the ongoing war in Ukraine – has further complicated the EU enlargement process, potentially delaying Kosovo's timeline for accession.

Internal Challenges & Coalition Building

Beyond external relations, Kurti faces internal challenges as well. The relatively low voter turnout suggests a degree of public dissatisfaction or disengagement. He will need to address these concerns and work to rebuild trust with citizens. Forming a stable coalition government is also paramount. While LVV's strong victory provides leverage, securing the support of other parties – particularly those representing minority communities – will be essential for governing effectively.

The Srpska Lista’s continued presence in parliament presents a unique challenge. While they represent the Serb minority, their close ties to Belgrade have often fueled tensions and complicated political decision-making. Kurti's ability to engage with them constructively – or find alternative ways to ensure representation for Serbs within Kosovo – will be crucial for maintaining stability.

Looking Ahead:

Albin Kurti’s return as Prime Minister of Kosovo represents a continuation of his assertive political agenda, but it also marks the beginning of a new chapter fraught with challenges. Successfully navigating the complexities of relations with Serbia, advancing towards EU accession, and addressing internal divisions will require skillful diplomacy, strong leadership, and a willingness to compromise – even for a leader known for his uncompromising stance. The coming months will be critical in shaping Kosovo's future trajectory and determining whether Kurti can deliver on his promises and solidify the country’s position on the European stage.

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