Kosovo Election: Vetevendosje Wins But Needs Coalition to Govern

Kosovo’s ruling Vetevendosje party, led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti, secured the most votes in Sunday’s parliamentary election but fell short of a majority, requiring coalition talks to form a government. Exit polls and party vote counts show Vetevendosje with 37-40% of the vote, a drop from its 2021 landslide victory. The opposition Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) confirmed Vetevendosje’s lead, with LDK and the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) trailing.

Kurti, who previously ruled out forming a coalition, declared victory but did not indicate potential allies. "We are the first party, the winning party that will create the next government," he stated, as supporters took to the streets in celebration. Kosovo's election commission faced software failures, delaying official results.

Kurti, a leftist Albanian nationalist, gained power in 2021 with a strong mandate but has faced criticism for strained relations with the EU and the U.S. His policies in northern Kosovo, where tensions with ethnic Serbs persist, have drawn international backlash, including a €150 million funding cut from the EU. Meanwhile, his administration has overseen a drop in unemployment from 30% to 10% and economic growth surpassing regional averages.

The LDK campaigned on rebuilding ties with Western allies and NATO accession. The election saw intense competition, with parties fined over €650,000 for violations. With coalition talks ahead, Kosovo’s political landscape remains uncertain as Kurti seeks to solidify his leadership in a divided parliament.