In a decisive political verdict, Kosovo's electorate has handed a resounding victory to the Albanian nationalist Vetevendosje party in a snap parliamentary election, paving the way for a third term for its leader, Albin Kurti.
A Clear Mandate After Months of Deadlock
According to preliminary results with 90% of votes counted, the Vetevendosje movement, whose name translates to "self-determination," secured a commanding 50.8% of the vote. This landslide win comes after months of political paralysis. The party had previously won elections in February but failed to secure a majority, leaving Kosovo without a functioning government. This impasse forced the country into its second parliamentary election this year.
Voters faced a critical choice: would they punish Prime Minister Kurti for the legislative gridlock, or the opposition parties that refused to enter a coalition with his left-wing movement? The result delivered a clear answer, strongly backing Kurti's leadership.
Opposition Trails, Coalition Math Begins
The main opposition parties were left far behind. The centre-right Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) garnered 20.98%, while the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) received 13.89%. Despite the overwhelming popular vote, the numbers suggest Vetevendosje may still need coalition partners to command a majority in the 120-seat National Assembly.
However, Kurti is not expected to face significant difficulties. Support can likely be found among MPs from ethnic minority parties, who are constitutionally guaranteed 20 seats. This marks the fourth consecutive parliamentary election victory for Vetevendosje, solidifying its dominance in Kosovo's political landscape.
Vindication and Calls for Cooperation
The victory is seen as a personal vindication for Albin Kurti, whose attempts to form a government after the February 9 polls were blocked by the opposition. Elated by the result, Kurti proclaimed it "the greatest victory in the history of the country." He expressed hope that opposition parties would choose cooperation over obstruction this time.
Signals from the opposition suggest a potential shift. Arben Gashi of the third-placed LDK acknowledged the public's message, stating on social media, "When voters speak, the result cannot be ignored." He emphasized the need for "reflection and responsible action."
The stakes for forming a stable government are exceptionally high. Kosovo has already missed out on hundreds of millions of euros in European Union funding due to the administrative vacuum. Kurti has also highlighted potential agreements with the World Bank, which could bring the total financial package awaiting the new government to over €1 billion.
