Political Deadlock Leads to Third Parliamentary Election in Kosovo

PRISTINA, Kosovo – This weekend, Kosovo is set to hold its third parliamentary election in just 18 months. There’s a growing sense of frustration among the populace over the ongoing political stalemate, as the nation aims to strengthen ties with the European Union and NATO.

The early parliamentary vote is taking place after the main parties couldn’t reach an agreement on a successor for former President Vjosa Osmani by a March deadline.

Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s Vetevendosje party has maintained a solid majority in parliament since the early elections in December. Still, the president is elected by at least 80 of the 120 parliament members, and neither Kurti nor the opposition has been able to secure that majority.

Frustration is rampant among Kosovo’s nearly 2 million voters, who are looking for the government to prioritize issues like the economy and quality of life instead of political infighting. “It feels like we’re stuck in a loop,” says Vlora Kriesiu, a business owner from Pristina.

Kriesiu, 52, expresses her doubts: “I really can’t see a different outcome this time. As a citizen, I feel a lot of dissatisfaction. We should be working harder as a community to address these problems.”

For much of the previous year, Kosovo has struggled with a non-functioning government, with the initial inconclusive election in February 2025 leading to a second election in December.

Kosovo, one of the youngest and economically challenged countries in Europe, declared independence from Serbia in 2008 following the 1998-1999 conflict that saw NATO intervene. It is recognized by the U.S. and a majority of EU nations, though Serbia and its allies, including Russia and China, do not acknowledge its independence. Improving relations between Pristina and Belgrade is viewed as essential for moving forward with EU membership aspirations.

This week, European Council President Antonio Costa urged Kosovo to resolve the political impasse and focus on EU integration. “The European Union can assist Kosovo, but the country has to take the necessary steps,” he remarked in Pristina. “Strong, stable institutions are needed to implement reforms and capitalize on opportunities from the EU.”

Kurti is calling on voters to support his party once more in the upcoming polls, blaming the opposition for creating what he terms an “artificial crisis” and pushing for repeated elections despite what he sees as the clear will of the people.

The two primary opposition parties, the Democratic Party of Kosovo and the Democratic Union of Kosovo, have countered his claims, accusing Kurti of attempting to gain total control over the political landscape.

Former President Osmani is now running on the LDK’s ticket against Kurti and has openly criticized his policies, stating during a rally in Pristina that they are “erecting barriers among people and deepening divisions.” She has called for a vision beyond mere control.

Political analyst Altan Muhasiri isn’t expecting a dramatic change from the previous election, when Kurti’s party secured over 50% of the vote. He suggests that the political stalemate may simply resume, indicating, “There’s little to no sign that leaders will shift their positions or attempt to bridge the existing divides.”

The ongoing crisis is affecting Kosovo’s economy, which has already been challenged by the global energy crisis and rising fuel costs. Institutional shortfalls have also hindered access to EU and other international funding opportunities.