The Vetevendosje party seeks to form a government after securing approximately 42% of the vote in Kosovo’s parliamentary election, requiring coalition talks after losing its majority. Prime Minister Kurti’s leadership will focus on addressing challenges tied to relations with Serbia and delivering on domestic issues amid rising political tensions and EU scrutiny.
Kosovo’s ruling entity, the Vetevendosje party, is projected to secure victory in the recent parliamentary election; however, it must engage in coalition negotiations to establish a governing body, according to exit polls and initial counts. With 73% of the votes accounted for, Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s leftist Self-Determination Movement captured approximately 41.99%, marking a significant decrease from the over 50% it attained in 2021.
Despite losing its outright majority, the Vetevendosje party led by Kurti is poised to form the next administration. Prior to the election, Kurti had ruled out coalition possibilities unless he achieved an outright majority. Nevertheless, following his victory announcement, he asserted his party would assumedly lead the new government but refrained from naming potential coalition partners.
Kurti encouraged supporters to celebrate Vetevendosje’s results. The election commission cited technical difficulties, preventing the publication of full results on the announcement day, with plans for manual data collection and release of results on the following day. Election commission head Kreshnik Radoniqi extended apologies to the populace for the disruptions.
The opposition Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) acknowledged Vetevendosje’s success, with LDK leader Lumir Abdixhiku reporting that their internal count indicated Vetevendosje garnered 39.08% of the votes. The Democratic Party of Kosovo ranked second with 21.84%, while LDK received 18.14%. Various exit polls projected Kurti’s support within the range of 37% to 40.04%.
Kurti, an Albanian nationalist, originally assumed office in 2021 when Vetevendosje claimed over 50% of the ballots, securing a seven-seat advantage in the 120-member parliament. Since gaining independence from Serbia in 2008 with U.S. backing, Kosovo’s political landscape has been significantly influenced by its relations with Serbia and local Serbs.
Analysts suggest that Kurti’s standing has strengthened due to his administration’s initiatives to assert governmental authority in Kosovo’s Serb-majority regions. Critics argue, however, that he has struggled to fulfill commitments in education and healthcare while alienating Kosovo from the European Union and the United States. In response, the EU imposed economic sanctions on Kosovo in 2023, reducing funding by at least €150 million due to escalation of tensions involving ethnic Serbs.
The centre-right LDK campaign focused on re-establishing ties with the United States and the EU while seeking to join NATO. Kurti’s administration has achieved notable improvements; unemployment has fallen significantly from 30% to nearly 10%, with a rise in the minimum wage and economic growth exceeding regional averages in the past year.
The electoral environment has been contentious, with the Elections Complaints and Appeals Panel levying fines totaling over €650,000 to various parties, a stark increase from the previous election cycle. The data presented by NGO Democracy in Action reveals that this figure is three times higher than in 2021.
The political context surrounding the Kosovo elections is defined by complex relationships with neighboring Serbia and the treatment of ethnic Serbs within Kosovo. The recent elections reflect a continuation of these dynamics as the Vetevendosje party, led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti, attempts to balance its governing ambitions with the necessity of forming coalitions in a divided political landscape. With significant historical events influencing the region’s governance, such as Kosovo’s declaration of independence in 2008 and U.S. support following conflict, the impact of regional relationships remains crucial in shaping electoral outcomes and policy decisions.
In conclusion, the Vetevendosje party’s recent electoral performance indicates a shift from its previous majority, necessitating coalition negotiations led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti. The election highlighted ongoing challenges regarding relations with ethnic Serbs and the European Union. While the party has made notable economic strides, the contentious political climate and increased scrutiny by international actors suggest a complex governing future ahead for Kosovo.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
