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Kosovo Election: Kurti's Party Wins, But Instability Looms

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, December 28th 2025 at 4:21 GMT by Associated Press

Kosovo Election Results Point to Continued Political Instability Despite Prime Minister Kurti's Strong Showing

Kosovo held snap parliamentary elections on February 14th, 2024, triggered by a vote of no confidence last March that ousted then-Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s government. While the election results indicate a strong showing for Kurti’s Vetëvendosje (VV) party – Movement for Self-Determination – they also highlight a deeply fractured political landscape and an uncertain path forward for the young nation, particularly concerning its relationship with Serbia and ongoing EU accession aspirations.

The immediate aftermath of the vote revealed a complex picture. Preliminary results, as reported by AP News, showed Vetëvendosje securing roughly 47% of the vote, significantly ahead of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) at around 16.8%, and the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) with approximately 13%. Smaller parties like the Srpska Lista (Serb List), which represents Kosovo’s Serb minority population, also garnered a significant share, securing nine seats in parliament. The election saw a turnout of roughly 45%, slightly higher than previous elections but still considered relatively low for a democratic process.

The Context: A Government Collapse and Rising Tensions

To understand the significance of this election, it's crucial to grasp the events leading up to it. Kurti’s government, known for its populist policies and assertive stance on national sovereignty, faced a no-confidence vote initiated by opposition parties citing concerns over his handling of relations with Serbia and the EU. The collapse was also fueled by internal divisions within the ruling coalition and accusations of authoritarian tendencies against Kurti's leadership style (as detailed in reports from Balkan Insight). The previous government’s policies regarding land swaps with Serbia, intended to normalize relations but met with strong opposition both domestically and internationally, were a key point of contention.

The election campaign itself was marked by heightened political rhetoric and accusations. Kurti campaigned on a platform emphasizing national unity, fighting corruption, and continuing his efforts to secure EU membership. He positioned himself as the defender of Kosovo’s interests against external pressures. Opposition parties criticized Kurti's policies as divisive and detrimental to Kosovo's international standing. The Srpska Lista, backed by Belgrade, focused heavily on protecting the rights of Serbs in Kosovo, often echoing narratives that downplay Kosovo's independence.

Kurti's Victory – But Can He Govern?

While Vetëvendosje secured a clear victory, it fell short of securing an absolute majority in parliament (61 out of 120 seats). This means Kurti will need to form a coalition government, a process that is historically challenging in Kosovo’s often-volatile political environment. The LDK and PDK are potential partners, but significant ideological differences and personal animosities between Kurti and the leaders of these parties could make coalition building difficult.

The Srpska Lista's strong showing presents another layer of complexity. While they are unlikely to join a government led by Kurti due to their close ties with Belgrade, their influence in parliament will be considerable. Their support is crucial for passing legislation affecting Serb communities and maintaining stability in northern Kosovo, an area where tensions remain high (as highlighted by reports from the International Crisis Group).

Key Challenges Ahead: Serbia Relations & EU Accession

The election results underscore several critical challenges facing Kosovo. The most pressing remains its relationship with Serbia. Years of stalled negotiations aimed at normalizing relations have been punctuated by periods of heightened tension, particularly in northern Kosovo where a Serb majority resides. Recent incidents involving license plates and the establishment of Kosovar institutions in Serbian-majority areas have further strained relations. Kurti’s approach to these issues – often characterized as uncompromising – has drawn criticism from both Belgrade and Brussels.

EU accession remains a key priority for Kosovo, but progress has been slow. The EU has repeatedly urged Pristina and Belgrade to resume negotiations and reach a comprehensive normalization agreement. Kurti's victory could complicate this process if he continues to resist compromises that some in the EU consider necessary. While the EU expressed hope for a stable government capable of advancing reforms, they also emphasized the need for dialogue with Serbia (as stated in an official statement from the European Commission).

The Role of International Actors

International actors, particularly the United States and the EU, will continue to play a significant role in Kosovo’s political future. The US has consistently advocated for normalization between Kosovo and Serbia, while the EU is responsible for overseeing the accession process. These external powers are likely to pressure Kurti to adopt a more conciliatory approach towards Belgrade and to implement reforms that meet EU standards.

Looking Ahead:

The snap election in Kosovo was intended to resolve political deadlock, but it has instead revealed a complex and challenging situation. While Kurti’s Vetëvendosje party emerged victorious, the fragmented parliament and ongoing tensions with Serbia suggest that forming a stable and effective government will be difficult. The coming weeks will be crucial as Kurti attempts to build a coalition and navigate the delicate balance between asserting Kosovo's sovereignty and pursuing its aspirations for EU membership. The stability of the region hinges on his ability to do so, alongside a willingness from Belgrade to engage in constructive dialogue.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive summary based on the provided AP News report and linked sources, highlighting the key events, challenges, and potential future developments facing Kosovo following this pivotal election.