Albin Kurti faces crucial parliamentary elections amid economic challenges

On February 9, 2025, Kosovo is experiencing significant political activity as the country votes in a parliamentary election. This election is particularly important as it serves as a critical test for Prime Minister Albin Kurti and his party, Vetevendosje!, following their prior landslide victory four years ago. For the first time since declaring independence in 2008, Kosovo's parliament is completing a full four-year mandate, marking a notable moment in the young nation's political history. The aftermath of the 1998-1999 conflict still looms large over the region, with Kosovo having held nine parliamentary elections since the war ended. Serbia continues to refuse to acknowledge Kosovo's sovereignty, accentuating the critical nature of the current political landscape. The electoral backdrop includes a Serb minority that holds 10 guaranteed seats in parliament, and 10 additional seats reserved for other minorities. This election, drawing around 2 million eligible voters, reflects the diverse political landscape with nearly 600 candidates vying for 120 parliamentary seats. Economic issues sit at the forefront of the campaign as candidates promise to improve public salaries, healthcare, and education while failing to offer specific plans for funding these initiatives. Kosovo is grappling with an economy characterized by weak GDP growth of less than 6,000 Euros per person, making it one of Europe's poorest nations. The current political climate is also tense, as previous conflicts between Kurti's government and Western powers raised concerns over unilateral actions that could reignite ethnic tensions. These tensions resulted in a recent 90-day freeze on U.S. funding for crucial projects and oversight from the European Union urging Kosovo to engage constructively in normalization talks with Serbia. The intentions of the parties involved regarding dialogue with Serbia remain uncertain, as they have not prioritized these discussions in their campaigns. International observers, including a team from the European Union and several other organizations, are closely monitoring the elections to ensure fairness and transparency. The outcome will have significant implications, especially regarding ongoing normalization talks with Serbia, where the European Union and the United States have emphasized the importance of implementing previously agreed agreements, such as the creation of an Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities. With a combination of socio-economic challenges, political stakes, and international scrutiny, Kosovo's elections are vital for the country's future direction.