Thewesternbalkans.
- Executive Summary
Following the failure of outgoing Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti to secure a parliamentary majority, President Vjosa Osmani granted a new mandate to Glauk Konjufca, the Speaker of the Assembly and a senior member of the Self-Determination Movement (Vetëvendosje), to form a government. According to reports, Kurti will become foreign minister.
This development comes amid a prolonged political deadlock following the February 9 general elections, with Kosovo still lacking a fully functional executive. The nomination of Konjufca—seen by most domestic observers as an extension of Kurti’s political leadership—has been received with skepticism by opposition parties, who have already declared their unwillingness to support his cabinet.
Analysts widely expect the failure of Konjufca’s mandate, which would trigger early parliamentary elections by the end of December 2025. The process reflects growing political polarization, deep institutional mistrust, and the instrumentalization of constitutional procedures for short-term political gain.
- Political Context
Kosovo has faced a political impasse since the parliamentary elections earlier this year, which produced fragmented results and left the Self-Determination Movement (LVV) without sufficient allies to form a stable majority.
After Albin Kurti’s unsuccessful attempt to secure confirmation from the Assembly on October 26, the President followed constitutional procedure by offering the second mandate to another nominee from the same party—Mr. Glauk Konjufca.
The decision was made against a backdrop of:
– Increasing public frustration with political stagnation,
– Ongoing tensions between key institutions, and
– A strategic focus on the second round of local elections scheduled for November 9, where LVV aims to consolidate its position.
- Reactions and Political Alignments
Opposition Response:
All major opposition parties have announced their intention not to support the proposed Konjufca government.
– The Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) characterized the nomination as a “continuation of Kurti’s rule under another name.”
– The Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) criticized the move as “monarchical,” arguing that the mandate was merely transferred “from Albin to Glauk.”
– The NISMA movement described the step as “electoral maneuvering” designed to maintain LVV’s political relevance ahead of the municipal runoffs.
Institutional Reaction:
Despite accusations of partisanship, President Osmani’s decision formally adheres to the constitutional requirement to offer a second mandate. However, her close political alignment with Kurti has led to questions regarding impartiality and the political timing of the announcement.
Analytical Observations:
Local experts suggest that by nominating Konjufca, Osmani effectively provided Kurti and LVV with additional time to manage the electoral calendar strategically. Early elections are now expected to coincide with the holiday season (December 21–28), when a significant segment of the Albanian diaspora returns to Kosovo. The diaspora has historically favored Kurti’s reformist platform, which could strengthen LVV’s performance in a snap vote.
- Institutional and Constitutional Dynamics
From a constitutional perspective, the President’s decision falls within her obligations under Article 95 of the Constitution, which stipulates the procedure for government formation following unsuccessful attempts. However, this mechanism has been interpreted politically, illustrating the fragility of institutional balance in Kosovo’s semi-presidential system.
Key deadlines include:
– 15 days for the nominee to form a government;
– If unsuccessful, 10 days for the President to dissolve the Assembly;
– 40 days for new elections to be held after the dissolution.
Potential voting sessions could occur around November 19–20, after which the President may call new elections.
- Political and Diplomatic Implications
5.1 Domestic Stability
The ongoing stalemate deepens Kosovo’s domestic fragility. Prolonged political uncertainty undermines:
– The country’s economic and investment climate;
– Progress on rule-of-law reforms linked to EU integration;
– Implementation of commitments under the EU-facilitated dialogue with Serbia.
A repeated failure to form a government may also weaken public confidence in democratic institutions, particularly given perceptions that political actors prioritize party interests over governance.
5.2 Regional Context
The paralysis in Pristina occurs at a time when regional cooperation mechanisms (such as the Berlin Process and Open Balkan initiatives) are being reactivated. Kosovo’s limited participation due to internal divisions could further marginalize its role in regional projects.
Neighboring countries have expressed cautious concern. Serbia’s leadership has remained restrained in its official comments but continues to monitor the situation closely, viewing political instability in Pristina as confirmation of LVV’s limited governance capacity.
5.3 International Dimension
Both the European Union and the United States have reiterated the need for institutional stability and adherence to constitutional norms.
– EU representatives emphasize that Kosovo’s credibility as a candidate for visa liberalization follow-up and potential candidacy status depends on political maturity and the functioning of democratic institutions.
– U.S. officials are likely to maintain a pragmatic engagement, avoiding interference in domestic political processes while urging continuity in dialogue with Belgrade and progress on the Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities (ASM).
- Possible Scenarios
Scenario 1: If Konjufca secures 61 votes in the Assembly, a new Vetëvendosje-led government will be formed, though its stability is expected to be limited due to the lack of coalition partners.
Scenario 2: If the mandate fails (the most likely outcome), the President will dissolve the Assembly around November 20, and early elections will be called within 40 days.
Expected election dates: between December 21 and December 28, depending on procedural timing.
- Broader Assessment
The latest developments demonstrate the persistent fragmentation of Kosovo’s political landscape. The Self-Determination Movement remains dominant but increasingly isolated, while opposition parties lack the cohesion or alternative programmatic vision to provide a credible governing alternative.
The President’s constitutional actions are formally valid but politically controversial, reflecting blurred boundaries between institutional responsibility and party loyalty.
In the short term, the most likely outcome remains early elections, with the government operating in a caretaker capacity until early 2026. The situation will require close diplomatic observation, particularly regarding:
– Continuity of dialogue with Serbia under EU auspices;
– The role of the diaspora in shaping the electoral outcome;
– Stability of Kosovo’s institutions and the security environment in the north.
- Comment
The nomination of Glauk Konjufca represents more a procedural maneuver than a substantive attempt at forming a new government. While legally compliant, it underlines the political symbiosis between President Osmani and Prime Minister Kurti, who continue to control the narrative around Kosovo’s political legitimacy.
The forthcoming local election results may serve as an indicator of LVV’s real strength and guide the party’s strategy in the anticipated parliamentary campaign.
For the EU and international partners, these developments reaffirm the need to balance engagement with principled conditionality—supporting Kosovo’s democratic resilience while discouraging the politicization of constitutional mechanisms.
