Kosovo's Leftist Party Wins Most Seats In Election

Albin Kurti, president of the left-wing Vetevendosje! party, makes statements following results of a parliamentary election, in Pristina, Kosovo, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Vlasov Sulaj)

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti's leftist party, the Self-Determination Movement Party, emerged as the winner in the recent parliamentary election in Kosovo, securing the most seats. However, they fell short of a majority, necessitating the formation of a coalition government. This election is crucial as Kosovo grapples with stalled talks on normalizing relations with Serbia and uncertainties surrounding foreign funding for the country.

This election marked a significant milestone as it was the first time since Kosovo's independence in 2008 that the parliament completed a full four-year mandate. It was the ninth parliamentary election since the end of the 1998-1999 war between Serbian government forces and ethnic Albanian separatists.

With 98% of the votes counted, Kurti's party secured 40.94% of the votes, followed by the Democratic Party of Kosovo with 22.11% and the Democratic League of Kosovo with 17.67%. The turnout was recorded at 40.6%, slightly lower than the previous election.

The new government will face challenges such as addressing frozen foreign aid, improving public services, and combating poverty in one of Europe's poorest countries. Additionally, efforts to mend relations with Western powers and Serbia will be a priority.

Coalition government formation is necessary due to the lack of a majority.

Albin Kurti's leftist party won the recent parliamentary election in Kosovo.

Kosovo faces challenges in normalizing relations with Serbia and securing foreign funding.

This election marked the first completion of a full four-year mandate since Kosovo's independence.

The new government will need to address frozen foreign aid, improve public services, and combat poverty.

Efforts to mend relations with Western powers and Serbia will be a priority.

EU ambassador emphasizes the importance of forming a new government smoothly.

The EU's ambassador to Kosovo emphasized the importance of forming a new government smoothly to meet the expectations of the population, most of whom aspire for Kosovo to join the European Union. Normalizing relations between Kosovo and Serbia was highlighted as a crucial step for both nations.

In the election, Srpska Lista, the main party of the ethnic Serb minority, secured 4.33% of the vote. The party's leader expressed gratitude for the support from Serbia's President, emphasizing the importance of balancing interests in resolving issues.

International observers closely monitored the election, with increased presence from KFOR following previous tensions. The formation of a new government is anticipated to bring stability and progress to Kosovo as it navigates complex political and economic challenges.