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Kosovo at a crossroads after failure to form government - DW - 10/31/2025

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Kosovo at a Crossroads: Albin Kurti’s Failure to Form a Government Deepens Political Uncertainty

In the early hours of March 5, 2024, the city of Pristina and its surrounding regions found themselves in a state of political limbo as Albin Kurti, the charismatic leader of the nationalist Vetëvendosje party, was unable to assemble a coalition that could command a parliamentary majority. The 120‑seat Kosovo Assembly had been elected a month earlier in a vote that produced a highly fragmented political landscape, leaving the country without a clear governing majority and raising questions about its future direction, democratic stability, and aspirations for European integration.

A Shattered Majority

Vetëvendosje, the party that has championed anti‑corruption and national sovereignty, secured 39 seats in the February election, an increase from its previous tally of 26. Despite this gain, the party fell short of the 61 seats needed for an outright majority. The opposition coalition, which included the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), the New Kosovo Alliance (AKR), and the Social Democratic Initiative (NISMA), collectively held 41 seats. The remaining 40 seats were split between the Serb List, representing Kosovo’s Serbian minority, and a host of smaller parties and independents.

Kurti’s failure to form a coalition was precipitated by a combination of factors: the Serb List’s insistence on controlling key ministries, the opposition’s refusal to negotiate with Vetëvendosje over issues such as language rights and constitutional reform, and the lack of a shared vision on the administration of the country’s fiscal policy. Kurti’s insistence on a “no‑coalition” stance, which had previously led to a successful anti‑government motion against the former Prime Minister, was again invoked, but it proved too polarizing to bring the fragmented parties together.

The Role of the Serbian Minority

The Serb List’s influence grew dramatically after the 2024 elections, reflecting a resurgence of Serbian community mobilization in the north of Kosovo. The party demanded a 25 % share of the ministries and a special constitutional status for the Serbian‑language region, a stance that further strained coalition negotiations. The European Union, which monitors Kosovo’s minority rights under the 2013 Brussels Agreement, has expressed concern that the political impasse could undermine efforts to solidify the status of Serbian‑speaking communities.

In a recent statement from the EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Janusz Wojciechowski, the Brussels Agreement was described as “the cornerstone of stability in the region.” However, the Commission also warned that prolonged instability could jeopardise the EU accession process for Kosovo, which is already facing a stalled trajectory due to unresolved issues with Serbia and ongoing institutional reforms.

International Reactions and Economic Implications

Internationally, the United Nations Office in Kosovo and Metohija (UNMIK) reiterated its support for a peaceful resolution to the government formation crisis. The United States Department of State released a brief urging all parties to “engage in constructive dialogue and seek a viable coalition that reflects the will of the people.” Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) flagged the uncertainty as a potential drag on the country’s fiscal projections, citing concerns over public spending, tax collection, and the sustainability of debt.

Economically, the uncertainty has already begun to weigh on investor confidence. The Kosovo Stock Exchange saw a modest decline in trading volumes following the announcement, and several foreign investment firms indicated that they would postpone major projects pending the resolution of the political stalemate. The Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Employment has issued a statement promising to keep the budget process on track despite the lack of a governing coalition, but critics argue that without a stable government, long‑term policy coherence is unlikely.

The Road Ahead: Snap Elections or Power‑Sharing

With the Assembly still convening but unable to decide on a prime minister, the legal framework allows for the President to call for a new election if no candidate can secure a majority within 20 days. President Vjosa Osmani has expressed the view that a snap election would be preferable to a prolonged stalemate. However, both Vetëvendosje and the opposition have called for a “power‑sharing” solution that would allow for a joint‑government arrangement, possibly with a rotating prime minister or a coalition with an extensive confidence‑and‑scrutiny agreement.

In the meantime, the Assembly has elected a provisional speaker, Miro Jashari, who will oversee the legislative agenda until a new government is formed. The Assembly’s agenda for the coming weeks includes a debate on the “National Plan for Economic Growth” and the “Draft Constitutional Amendments on the Status of Serbian‑speaking Regions,” both of which are likely to be contentious.

Conclusion

The failure of Albin Kurti to form a government after the February 2024 elections has plunged Kosovo into a period of heightened uncertainty. With the political arena split between a populist nationalist force and a broad opposition coalition, the Serbian minority’s demands, and the looming threat of a snap election, Kosovo’s path forward remains uncertain. The situation underscores the delicate balance between democratic representation, minority rights, and European aspirations that defines Kosovo’s political landscape. As the country watches the unfolding crisis, the international community remains closely attentive, mindful that any protracted instability could have long‑lasting repercussions for Kosovo’s future on the global stage.