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Kosovo Elections: Vetevendosje Loses Ground, Future Uncertain

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, December 28th 2025 at 10:02 GMT by RTE Online

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Kosovo Elections Yield Uncertain Future as Vetëvendosje Loses Ground Amidst Rising Tensions

Kosovo’s political landscape is in flux following snap parliamentary elections held on December 28th, 2024, which have resulted in a fragmented parliament and an uncertain future for the country's government. While Albin Kurti’s Vetëvendosje (VV) party remains the largest single entity, they suffered significant losses, failing to secure a clear majority and triggering a period of potentially protracted coalition negotiations. The election results reflect growing dissatisfaction with Kurti’s policies, particularly concerning relations with Serbia and rising living costs, alongside simmering ethnic tensions that significantly impacted voter turnout and sentiment.

According to RTE's reporting, based on preliminary official figures (as of December 29th), Vetëvendosje secured approximately 47 seats in the 120-seat parliament. This represents a substantial drop from their previous commanding majority of 58 seats in the 2021 election. The Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), historically one of the country’s dominant parties, also saw a decline, securing around 16 seats. The Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), led by Ramush Haradinaj, performed better than expected, gaining approximately 24 seats. The Serbian List, representing Kosovo's Serb minority and backed by Belgrade, emerged as the third-largest party with 13 seats – a result highlighting the continued influence of Serbia within Kosovo’s political system (more on this below). The Democratic Action Party (PDSh) and the Self-Determination Movement also secured representation.

The snap election was triggered after Kurti's government lost a vote of no confidence in March 2024, following a series of controversies including accusations of authoritarian tendencies, mismanagement of public funds, and increasingly strained relations with key international partners like the United States and European Union. These tensions were further exacerbated by Kurti’s handling of negotiations regarding the EU-brokered agreement aimed at normalizing relations between Kosovo and Serbia (detailed in this earlier RTE report: [https://www.rte.ie/news/world/2024/0318/1209675-kosovo-serbia-agreement/]). Kurti’s insistence on certain conditions, perceived by some as uncompromising and detrimental to Kosovo's interests, drew criticism both domestically and internationally.

The Serbian List's strong showing is particularly significant. This party consistently advocates for closer ties with Serbia and has often opposed Kosovar government policies. Their continued electoral success underscores the deep divisions within Kosovo’s society along ethnic lines. As RTE notes, the list’s performance was facilitated by low turnout among Albanian voters in Serb-majority areas, reflecting a sense of alienation from the political process. The party's close ties to Belgrade and its consistent obstructionist tactics in parliament pose a significant challenge to any future government attempting to implement reforms or pursue normalization with Serbia. The Serbian List’s success also demonstrates the ongoing influence of Belgrade in Kosovo’s internal politics, despite Kosovo having declared independence from Serbia in 2008 (a history detailed here: [https://www.rte.ie/news/world/2018/02/17/1056489-kosovo-independence/]).

The election results have thrown the formation of a new government into considerable doubt. While Kurti’s Vetëvendosje remains the largest party, forming a stable coalition will be difficult. Potential partners are hesitant to align with VV given their recent decline in popularity and concerns about Kurti's leadership style. The AAK, while gaining ground, may not be willing to compromise on key policy positions. The LDK is weakened and struggling for relevance. Coalition negotiations are expected to be protracted and complex, potentially leading to instability and further political gridlock.

International reactions have been cautious. While the EU has called for a swift formation of a government that can address the challenges facing Kosovo, there’s an underlying pressure on any new administration to prioritize normalization with Serbia as a condition for further integration into European structures. The United States has also expressed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of regional stability and constructive dialogue. The election outcome highlights the delicate balancing act required by Kosovo's leaders – navigating domestic political pressures while adhering to international expectations regarding relations with Belgrade.

Looking ahead, several key issues will dominate the political agenda. These include addressing rising unemployment and inflation, tackling corruption, improving healthcare and education services, and, crucially, finding a sustainable path towards normalization with Serbia that respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Kosovo while ensuring the rights and security of its Serb minority population. The new government's ability to address these challenges will determine Kosovo’s future trajectory and its prospects for European integration. The fragmented parliament suggests compromise and consensus-building will be paramount, a significant departure from Kurti’s previous approach, but also potentially leading to political paralysis if those compromises prove too difficult to achieve.

This election represents a pivotal moment for Kosovo, underscoring the fragility of its democratic institutions and the persistent challenges it faces in consolidating peace and stability. The coming weeks will be critical as political leaders attempt to forge a new government capable of navigating these turbulent times.