Albin Kurti's party wins most seats but struggles to form government

In Kosovo, the election governing body announced the results of the legislative election held on February 9, 2025, where Prime Minister Albin Kurti's political party, Vetevendosje!, achieved a notable victory. The party garnered 42.30% of the total votes, translating to 48 out of the 120 parliamentary seats. The results also showed a significant presence of other parties, such as the Democratic Party of Kosovo, which secured 24 seats with 20.95% of the vote, and the Democratic League of Kosovo with 20 seats at 18.27%. Additionally, the Alliance for Kosovo's Future captured eight seats, demonstrating a fragmented political landscape in the parliament. The electoral turnout was reported at 46.54%, reflecting a slight decrease compared to the previous election in 2021. Kurti's challenge now lies in forming a cabinet, as he needs a simple majority of 61 votes. Unlike four years ago, when he only required three additional seats to establish a government, this election results in a more complex negotiation scenario. During his campaign, Kurti expressed a firm stance against forming alliances with the two main opposition parties, the PDK and LDK, creating obstacles in his pursuit of necessary governing partnerships. The Central Election Commission's declaration comes amid a backdrop of geopolitical significance, with international actors like the United States and the European Union having tense relations regarding Kosovo's ongoing political and economic developments. The political situation is further complicated by the necessity of normalizing ties with Serbia, a crucial step for both nations aiming for membership in the European Union. As Kosovo navigates its future, Kurti’s administration appears to be at a crossroads. The forthcoming presidential election set for 2026 poses additional challenges, given that the winning party typically influences the selection of the president who requires at least two-thirds support from parliament for election. Following the election results, the president of Kosovo has the authority to appoint an alternative candidate from the winning parties if Kurti fails to form a government, potentially leading to an early parliamentary election if those efforts also stall. Moreover, the suspension of financial aid from key international partners like the United States and the European Union adds pressure to Kurti's cabinet-building efforts. Without this support, Kosovo faces a struggle to revive its economy that has been challenged despite previous assistance. Observers are now acutely aware of how the evolving political landscape and economic pressures will affect the future of governance in Kosovo—a nation that has experienced relatively stable political turnover since its independence in 2008. As Albin Kurti leads the Vetevendosje! party, the hopes for reform and a united parliament will define the trajectory of Kosovo’s legislative ambitions and governmental stability in the coming months.