The Albanian nationalist Vetevendosje party has won a landslide victory in Kosovo's parliamentary elections, according to preliminary results. With 90% of the votes counted, the party, whose name means 'self determination', was on 50.8%, meaning a third term in power for its leader, Albin Kurti. The two main opposition parties, the centre-right Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), were on 20.98% and 13.89%, respectively.
Vetevendosje won elections in February, but without a majority, leading to a prolonged absence of a functioning government. The impasse raised concerns about whether voters would blame Kurti for the deadlock or the opposition parties for refusing to consider a coalition.
The electorate's response has been clear, albeit not enough for Kurti to govern alone. However, he is expected to find support among minority party MPs, who occupy 20 of the National Assembly's 120 seats. This victory marks the fourth consecutive electoral win for Vetevendosje, a validation after opposition parties blocked government formation attempts previously.
In his celebratory remarks, Kurti proclaimed it 'the greatest victory in the history of the country' and expressed hopes for cooperation from opposition factions this time. LDK's Arben Gashi acknowledged the results' significance, emphasizing the need for reflection and responsible action.
The implications of this electoral outcome are substantial, as Kosovo has lost significant EU funding opportunities due to governmental instability. Kurti's administration will also aim to foster constructive relations with the EU and the US after past tensions related to policies affecting the Serbian minority in Kosovo. The EU has recently lifted punitive measures against Kosovo, signaling a chance for renewed dialogue and cooperation.
Despite concerns over Vetevendosje's governing record, analysts note that voters view past opposition as more detrimental to the country's stability. As Kosovo navigates its political landscape, Kurti's administration must address pressing issues, including economic development and normalized relations with Serbia.
Vetevendosje won elections in February, but without a majority, leading to a prolonged absence of a functioning government. The impasse raised concerns about whether voters would blame Kurti for the deadlock or the opposition parties for refusing to consider a coalition.
The electorate's response has been clear, albeit not enough for Kurti to govern alone. However, he is expected to find support among minority party MPs, who occupy 20 of the National Assembly's 120 seats. This victory marks the fourth consecutive electoral win for Vetevendosje, a validation after opposition parties blocked government formation attempts previously.
In his celebratory remarks, Kurti proclaimed it 'the greatest victory in the history of the country' and expressed hopes for cooperation from opposition factions this time. LDK's Arben Gashi acknowledged the results' significance, emphasizing the need for reflection and responsible action.
The implications of this electoral outcome are substantial, as Kosovo has lost significant EU funding opportunities due to governmental instability. Kurti's administration will also aim to foster constructive relations with the EU and the US after past tensions related to policies affecting the Serbian minority in Kosovo. The EU has recently lifted punitive measures against Kosovo, signaling a chance for renewed dialogue and cooperation.
Despite concerns over Vetevendosje's governing record, analysts note that voters view past opposition as more detrimental to the country's stability. As Kosovo navigates its political landscape, Kurti's administration must address pressing issues, including economic development and normalized relations with Serbia.
