PRISTINA, Kosovo – Nearly nine months after parliamentary elections, Kosovo finds itself embroiled in its deepest political crisis since declaring independence in 2008. The failure of caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti to secure parliamentary approval for his proposed government on October 26, 2025, has solidified a prolonged political deadlock, pushing the young nation toward the high probability of snap elections by year-end. This institutional paralysis threatens to undermine crucial reforms, stall economic development, and weaken Kosovo's standing on the international stage.
Months of Impasse Culminate in Failed Vote
Kosovo's political turmoil stems from the parliamentary elections held on February 9, 2025. While Albin Kurti's left-wing Vetëvendosje (VV) party emerged as the dominant force, securing 48 out of 120 seats—approximately 42.3% of the vote—it fell short of the 61-seat simple majority required to form a government outright. This outcome initiated a period of intense and ultimately fruitless negotiations.
Following the inconclusive elections, the country experienced months of governmental limbo characterized by repeated failures to even elect a parliamentary speaker. Attempts to install a speaker, a prerequisite for government formation, reportedly failed dozens of times, with reports indicating 21 failed attempts by May and as many as 54 by July. The proposed speaker, Albulena Haxhiu, a senior figure in Kurti's party, consistently failed to garner the necessary support, often receiving only 57 votes, far fewer than the 61 required. This persistent gridlock prevented the Assembly from commencing formal work and setting the stage for a new cabinet.
The crisis reached a critical juncture on October 26, 2025, when Prime Minister Kurti's proposed "Kurti 3" cabinet faced a confidence vote in parliament. Despite his appeal for support "in the public and state interest," the vote resulted in 56 votes in favor, 52 against, and four abstentions, leaving Kurti five votes shy of the majority needed for approval. This marked the first instance since 2001 that a prime minister-designate failed to win a confidence vote on the initial attempt, signaling an unprecedented level of political fragmentation.
Deep-Seated Divisions and Sticking Points
The failure to form a government is rooted in deep-seated political divisions and a profound lack of consensus among Kosovo's major parties. Opposition parties, including the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), and the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), have consistently rejected calls to join a coalition with Kurti's Vetëvendosje.
Critics from the opposition have accused Kurti of arrogance, unilateral decision-making, and confrontational rhetoric, particularly concerning his approach to relations with Western allies and the Serb-majority areas in northern Kosovo. Memli Krasniqi, leader of the PDK, minced no words, stating, "Fifty-six votes for Albin Kurti and not a single one more," and declaring, "Albin Kurti will no longer be prime minister.". The LDK similarly refused to support any speaker candidate proposed by Vetëvendosje and rejected coalition offers, instead proposing a transitional government of all ethnic Albanian parties—a proposal rejected by Vetëvendosje.
This confrontational political climate, where "personal ego and party interest" appear to supersede national interest, has fostered an environment of "mutual zugzwang," where any political move carries significant risk, and compromise remains elusive. Kurti, a self-described leftist and Albanian nationalist, had previously led Vetëvendosje to a landslide victory in 2021 on an anti-corruption platform, but his administration faced criticism for not fully delivering on its promises, contributing to growing public frustration.
The Price of Paralysis: Domestic and Economic Woes
The prolonged political paralysis has exacted a heavy toll on Kosovo's domestic functioning and economic prospects. With a caretaker government in place for nearly nine months, decision-making processes have been severely hampered, affecting policy implementation and public services. Over 100 draft laws remain stalled, including critical legislation on workers' rights and healthcare reform. Municipal budgets are unapproved, further impeding local governance.
Economically, the deadlock has triggered significant concerns. Approximately €61 million in EU funding is currently frozen, awaiting parliamentary ratification. More broadly, Kosovo's inability to form a stable government threatens its access to the European Union's €6 billion Western Balkans Growth Plan, a crucial initiative for regional development. This financial uncertainty risks deterring foreign investment, slowing economic growth, and potentially pushing the country towards stagnation in poverty reduction and income growth. The absence of a fully functional government also jeopardizes the approval of the 2026 state budget. Without a budget, essential public services, including pensions, child allowances, and wages for public servants, could be severely disrupted, deepening the country's financial disarray. As Albin Kurti himself warned, "A country without a budget is a country that cannot move forward".
Eroding International Standing and Regional Impact
Beyond domestic challenges, Kosovo's political instability has significant international ramifications. The ongoing deadlock strains diplomatic relations with key Western allies, with the United States reportedly suspending talks with Kosovo due to rising tensions and the actions of the caretaker government. Such strained ties hinder Kosovo's aspirations for deeper integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions, including its long-term goal of European Union membership.
The political vacuum also complicates Kosovo's position in the EU-mediated dialogue with Serbia, a critical process for normalizing relations and achieving broader international recognition. Serbia is reportedly exploiting Kosovo's political deadlock to argue that Pristina lacks a legitimate government, thereby stalling negotiations and weakening Kosovo's bargaining position. This situation allows Serbia to reinforce its influence over Kosovo's Serb minority and the dialogue process, further exacerbating regional tensions. Neighboring countries like Montenegro and Albania are making steady progress in their EU accession talks, leading to fears that Kosovo could be left behind, risking "hard borders" and an exodus of its citizens in search of better opportunities.
A Nation at a Crossroads
As Kosovo grapples with this multifaceted crisis, the path forward appears increasingly limited. With President Vjosa Osmani now constitutionally tasked with appointing another candidate to attempt government formation within 10 days, and a subsequent 40-day window for snap elections if no viable government emerges, new elections in December 2025 are widely anticipated. Many political observers and opposition leaders, including LDK's Lumir Abdixhiku and AAK's Ramush Haradinaj, view extraordinary elections as "the only solution".
However, even a fresh electoral mandate may not guarantee stability. If the outcome of a new election mirrors the fragmentation of February 2025, Kosovo could find itself trapped in a cycle of instability, potentially facing yet another election next spring. Moreover, the necessity of electing a new president in early 2026 will require cross-party cooperation, a daunting prospect given the current divisions.
Kosovo stands at a critical juncture, its democratic institutions tested by an enduring impasse. The calls for political actors to prioritize national interests over partisan gains, engage in constructive dialogue, and foster genuine compromise have never been more urgent. The ability of its leaders to navigate this complex period will determine whether Europe's youngest nation can overcome its current challenges and fulfill its potential for stability and Euro-Atlantic integration.
