Albin Kurti Declares Victory in Kosovo Election, Faces Coalition Challenges

Prime Minister Albin Kurti has declared victory in Kosovo’s parliamentary election, but the preliminary results indicate that he will need to form a coalition government in order to secure a working majority. With 73 percent of votes counted, Kurti’s leftist Vetevendosje party led the results with 41.99 percent of the vote, making it the largest party. However, this outcome leaves Kurti with the challenge of negotiating partnerships with other parties to form a stable government.

Opposition Parties Secure Significant Support

The Democratic Party of Kosovo, the main opposition, secured 22.68 percent of the vote, while the Democratic League of Kosovo followed with 17.9 percent. Despite leading the election, Kurti’s party fell short of a majority, and the coalition-building process will be critical. Initially, Kurti had stated that he would not join a coalition, but in light of the results, he indicated a willingness to adjust his stance in order to maintain governance.

Kurti's Stance on Serbia Relations Under Scrutiny

This election was seen as a referendum on Kurti’s leadership, especially regarding his approach to Kosovo's relations with Serbia. Kurti has had a rocky relationship with Western allies, particularly over stalled efforts to normalize ties with neighboring Serbia. His win, however, signals continued support for his domestic agenda, even as international challenges loom.

Return to Coalition Government in Kosovo

With Maja Blazevska of Al Jazeera reporting from Pristina, the election results indicate that Kosovo will return to a coalition government. Kurti’s path forward involves navigating these coalitions while balancing his policy goals, especially in handling the delicate issue of Kosovo’s relationship with Serbia.