What's happened
Kosovo held a snap parliamentary election on December 28 after ongoing political deadlock since February. Prime Minister Albin Kurti's party remains the favorite, but uncertainty persists over forming a majority. The election aims to resolve a crisis affecting government functions and international aid, with results expected soon.
What's behind the headline?
The December 28 election is unlikely to resolve Kosovo’s political deadlock, as experts predict Kurti’s party will again come out on top but without a clear majority. The opposition’s refusal to cooperate and the fragmentation of parliament suggest continued instability. Kurti’s tough stance on Serbia and his confrontational approach with Western allies have deepened internal divisions and international sanctions, which may persist regardless of election outcomes. The election’s real significance lies in whether Kurti can form a coalition or if new elections will be necessary, prolonging the country’s economic and political uncertainty. The broader regional context, including Serbia’s non-recognition and external pressures from Russia and the EU, will continue to influence Kosovo’s trajectory. The election results will likely determine whether Kosovo can stabilize and move toward EU integration or remain mired in internal and external conflicts.
What the papers say
AP News highlights the ongoing political crisis, emphasizing the uncertainty of forming a government despite Kurti’s party leading in polls. Al Jazeera notes the election’s importance for securing international aid and stabilizing governance, but also underscores the opposition’s refusal to cooperate and the risk of further deadlock. Politico provides insight into the opposition’s view of Kurti as a populist and the likelihood of continued fragmentation, with analysts warning that the deadlock may persist. SBS predicts the election will not bring immediate clarity, with experts expecting the deadlock to continue and Kurti’s party to remain the dominant force, but without a majority. These contrasting perspectives underscore the persistent instability and the complex regional and international factors shaping Kosovo’s political future.
How we got here
Kosovo has been politically deadlocked since a February election failed to produce a government, marking the first such deadlock since declaring independence from Serbia in 2008. The country’s political landscape is characterized by fragmentation, with opposition parties refusing to cooperate with Kurti’s Self-Determination Movement. The crisis has delayed budget approval and international agreements, impacting the economy and international relations. Tensions with Serbia and internal divisions have further complicated governance, with recent clashes in the north and ongoing negotiations over normalization of relations.
Go deeper
Common question
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What Does Kosovo's Election Mean for Stability?
Kosovo's recent parliamentary election has sparked widespread interest due to ongoing political deadlock. With Prime Minister Albin Kurti's party leading in polls, many are asking what this election means for Kosovo's stability and future governance. In this page, we explore the key questions surrounding the election, its impact on international aid, and the broader political crisis in Kosovo.
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What’s Next for Kosovo and Global Politics?
Kosovo's recent parliamentary election has sparked questions about its future and the wider regional and international implications. With ongoing political deadlock and uncertain alliances, many are wondering what this means for stability in the Balkans and beyond. Below, we explore key questions about Kosovo's political landscape, international relations, and what to watch for in the coming months.
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Albin Kurti is an Albanian politician of Kosovo and activist who was the Prime Minister of Kosovo. He came to prominence in 1997 as the vice-president of the University of Prishtina Student Union, and a main organizer of non-violent demonstrations in 1997
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Kosovo, officially the Republic of Kosovo, is a partially-recognised state in Southeast Europe, subject to a territorial dispute with the Republic of Serbia.
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Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu is a Kosovar jurist and politician serving as the fifth president of Kosovo since 4 April 2021.
Born in former Yugoslavia and raised in the city then known as Titova Mitrovica, today the city of Mitrovica, Osmani became a political act