Thewesternbalkans.
Sunday’s elections in Kosovo were far more competitive than expected. Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s Self-Determination Party (Vetëvendosje) secured the largest share of the vote—around 42%, according to preliminary results. However, this outcome is likely to push Kurti into the opposition.
According to preliminary results, the right-wing Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) finished second with 22.7%, followed by the center-right Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) with 17.9%, and the left-wing nationalist coalition AAK-Nisma with 7.6%. Meanwhile, the Serb List, representing the Serb minority, won all 10 reserved parliamentary seats, securing 2.28% of the overall vote.
A Peaceful Election Amid Heightened Security
The elections were conducted with minimal incidents. KFOR and EULEX increased their presence on the ground to prevent potential disturbances, especially given the arrival of Kosovo Serbs from Serbia on election day to participate in the vote.
This election was held under a new electoral law adopted in July 2023, which incorporated the majority of EU recommendations. The reforms included:
Greater independence of the Central Election Commission
Stricter campaign regulations
Expanded voting options for diaspora voters, who could now vote both in person and by mail
The process was monitored by 18 long-term EU observers and 36 short-term observers, alongside diplomats from EU missions in Pristina and a PACE delegation.
Kurti’s Future: Opposition or Another Term?
Speaking to supporters at Vetëvendosje’s headquarters after the election, Kurti remained optimistic about securing the 61-seat majority needed in the 120-seat parliament to form a government. He dismissed the possibility of the three main opposition parties uniting against him.
However, Kurti failed to secure an absolute majority, and he had previously ruled out forming a coalition with opposition parties. He may choose to remain in opposition instead, especially given the broader political calendar—local elections are set for autumn 2025, and a new president is to be elected in 2026.
On the other hand, the opposition parties also lack a clear majority. If a coalition government proves impossible to form, new parliamentary elections may be necessary—a scenario that is becoming increasingly likely.
The EU and U.S. View on Kurti
The EU’s stance toward Kurti has been lukewarm, with European officials often frustrated by his confrontational approach, particularly in negotiations with Serbia.
If Kurti loses the premiership, it would also be a relief for Richard Grenell, U.S. Special Envoy under Donald Trump, who has openly criticized Kurti for being unpredictable and uncooperative. Grenell and other U.S. figures would prefer a more accommodating prime minister who aligns more closely with Washington’s interests.
Kurti insists that U.S.-Kosovo relations are currently at their strongest, but Grenell has publicly stated that the U.S. does not want Kurti as a partner. If public perception shifts, with Kosovars feeling that their strategic relationship with Washington is at risk, it could trigger street protests demanding Kurti’s resignation.
