Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti said he will quickly form a new government after his party won nearly half the votes in Sunday’s election. The result could end a year-long political crisis that blocked parliament and delayed important international funding.
Kurti’s Vetevendosje Party won about 49.3% of the vote, according to preliminary results. This was Kosovo’s second election this year after Kurti failed to secure a majority in February, leading President Vjosa Osmani to dissolve parliament and call early polls.
Speaking to the media, Kurti said there is no time to waste and that parliament should be formed quickly, followed by a new government. He also asked opposition parties to support international loan agreements that need a two-thirds majority to pass.
Supporters celebrated in the capital, Pristina, after the results were announced.
Analysts say it is unclear whether Kurti can form a government alone, as he still needs 61 seats in the 120-member assembly. However, they believe he could easily govern with support from smaller parties or minorities. Some votes, including those from the diaspora, are still being counted.
The main opposition parties received far fewer votes, with one at 21% and another at 13.6%.
If a government is not formed soon, Kosovo could face more problems. Parliament must elect a new president in April and approve €1 billion in loans from the EU and World Bank, which may expire soon.
Opposition parties have blamed Kurti for poor relations with Western allies and tensions in northern Kosovo, where many ethnic Serbs live. Kurti, however, says the opposition is responsible for blocking progress.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 but continues to face economic challenges and political instability. Kurti’s current term, which began in 2021, was the first time a government completed a full term in the country’s history.
