Kosovo’s Vetevendosje party has scored a major victory in the recent parliamentary elections. Early results show they secured about 50.8% of the votes, giving Albin Kurti a chance at a third term as leader. In contrast, the main opposition parties, the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), garnered around 21% and 14%, respectively.
This marks a significant turnaround for Vetevendosje, which previously struggled to form a government after the February elections. The deadlock left Kosovo without proper governance for months. Many were curious if voters would blame Kurti for this situation or hold the opposition accountable for refusing to work with him. Ultimately, voters opted for continuity with Vetevendosje, though Kurti may still require coalition partners to govern effectively.
This election win is Vetevendosje’s fourth consecutive victory, highlighting a firm public endorsement after months of political stagnation. Kurti hailed it as a historic win, hoping that opposing parties will work with him moving forward. Arben Gashi from the LDK acknowledged the voters’ choice on social media, emphasizing the need for reflection and responsible action.
The stakes are high for Kosovo. The absence of a functioning government has cost the country hundreds of millions in EU funding. Furthermore, Kurti is looking at potential financial agreements with the World Bank, which could top €1 billion. Repairing relations with the EU and the US is crucial, especially after Kurti’s contentious actions targeting Kosovo’s Serb minority.
The EU recently lifted sanctions imposed in 2023 but will be watching closely to see if Kurti adopts a more pragmatic stance in the stalled dialogue with Serbia. His strained relationship with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic poses challenges for smooth negotiations.
Interestingly, this election reflects the public’s dissatisfaction with past alternatives. Parties linked to the Kosovo Liberation Army struggled in the decade following Kosovo’s declaration of independence in 2008. Despite many failures, citizens view the opposition as a greater threat.
Political analyst Artan Muhaxhiri noted that while Vetevendosje has faced criticism for constitutional breaches and slow economic growth, many voters still believe they’ve been better than the opposition. This reflects a strategic decision by the public, prioritizing stability over change, even if that stability comes with flaws.
In the end, Kosovo’s political landscape remains complex, but this election reinforces Vetevendosje’s prominence and the challenges ahead.
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