What's happened
Kosovo held a snap parliamentary election on December 28, 2025, after a year-long political deadlock. The Self-Determination Movement, led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti, won nearly 50% of the votes, aiming to form a government and address economic and political challenges. Turnout was around 44%. Results could reshape Kosovo’s future relations with Serbia and its EU accession prospects.
What's behind the headline?
The election results mark a significant step toward ending Kosovo’s political deadlock, but the outcome remains uncertain. Kurti’s party, which has historically taken a tough stance on Serbia and internal governance, now faces the challenge of forming a stable majority. The opposition’s refusal to cooperate indicates deep divisions, and a fragmented parliament risks further instability. The election’s timing is critical, as Kosovo needs to ratify international agreements and secure funding, while also managing ethnic tensions, particularly with Serb communities in the north. Kurti’s promise to strengthen security and focus on economic growth suggests a pragmatic approach, but the political landscape remains fragile. The international community’s support and Kosovo’s internal unity will be decisive in shaping the country’s trajectory in the coming months.
What the papers say
The articles from Politico, Al Jazeera, France 24, The New Arab, AP News, and SBS provide a comprehensive overview of Kosovo’s recent election. Politico highlights the political deadlock and opposition’s stance, while Al Jazeera and France 24 emphasize Kurti’s victory and the challenges ahead. The New Arab and AP News detail the background of the crisis, including the failed government formations and ethnic tensions. SBS offers expert predictions that the election may not resolve the deadlock, underscoring the ongoing instability and economic concerns. The contrasting opinions reflect the complexity of Kosovo’s political landscape, with some sources emphasizing the potential for change and others warning of continued fragmentation.
How we got here
Kosovo's political crisis began after the 2024 elections failed to produce a government, with opposition parties refusing to cooperate with Kurti’s Self-Determination Movement. The deadlock delayed budget approval, impacted economic stability, and hindered international agreements. The country, declared independent from Serbia in 2008, faces ongoing tensions with Serbia and internal ethnic divisions, especially in the north. The recent election was called to break this impasse and to prepare for upcoming presidential elections and international funding negotiations.
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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What Does Kosovo's Recent Election Mean for Its Future?
Kosovo's snap parliamentary election on December 28, 2025, marked a significant turning point after a year-long political deadlock. With Prime Minister Albin Kurti's Self-Determination Movement winning nearly 50% of the votes, many are wondering what this means for Kosovo's relations with Serbia, its EU prospects, and internal stability. This page explores the implications of Kosovo's recent election and answers common questions about its political future.
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What Do Recent Military Deals Say About Global Power Shifts in 2025?
Recent military deals and regional security moves in 2025 reveal a complex landscape of power dynamics. From Israel's new fighter jets to Kosovo's political deadlock, these developments raise questions about regional stability, alliances, and future conflicts. Below, we explore the key questions shaping today's geopolitical scene and what they mean for the world.
More on these topics
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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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Serbia, officially the Republic of Serbia, is a landlocked country situated at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe in the southern Pannonian Plain and the central Balkans.
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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
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The Democratic Party of Kosovo is one of the three largest political parties in Kosovo, alongside its long-time rival, the Democratic League of Kosovo, as well as Vetëvendosje.
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The Democratic League of Kosovo used to be one of the largest political parties in Kosovo.
At the legislative elections held on 24 October 2004 the party won 45.4% of the popular vote andf 47 out of 120 seats, seven of which have defected to the Nexhat Da