According to *The Serbian Economist*, the Vetëvendosje movement led by incumbent Prime Minister Albin Kurti came first in Kosovo’s snap parliamentary elections, but failed to secure an outright majority in the 120-seat parliament.
According to the Central Election Commission of Kosovo, Vetëvendosje won 47.13 per cent of the vote and secured 53 parliamentary seats. At least 61 seats are required to form a government.
The Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) came second with 19.44 per cent and 22 seats. The Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) received 16.69 per cent and 18 seats, whilst the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) received 6.74 per cent and 7 seats.
Of the 20 seats reserved for national minorities, the Serbian List secured 9 seats. The Democratic Turkish Party of Kosovo secured 2 seats, with the remaining minority seats distributed amongst other political forces.
For Kurti, the result looks like a victory, but not a way out of the political deadlock. His party remains the largest political force, but to form a stable government it will need the support of minority parties or broader agreements. The issue of electing a president remains particularly complex, as the first rounds require the presence of at least 80 MPs.
It was precisely the issue of the presidency that triggered the current crisis. Following the previous elections, the parties were unable to agree on a presidential candidate, parliament was dissolved, and Kosovo held yet another snap election. This is now the third parliamentary election in less than a year and a half.
This sends an important signal to the region’s economy. Prolonged political instability in Pristina is hampering the work of institutions, complicating access to international funds and hindering progress towards EU and NATO membership. For Serbia, the key issue remains not only the composition of the new government, but also whether Pristina will be prepared for practical dialogue regarding northern Kosovo, Serbian municipalities, trade and security.
For Belgrade, Kurti’s victory means the continuation of a hardline political stance in Pristina. It was under his government that relations with Serbia remained tense, and the actions of the Kosovar authorities in the north provoked a sharp reaction from the Serbian side and criticism from some Western partners.
From an economic perspective, the continuation of the crisis in Kosovo is detrimental to the entire region. Instability reduces predictability for investors, complicates transport and trade links, hinders infrastructure projects and creates political risk for companies operating between Serbia, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro and the EU.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but Belgrade does not recognise this status and considers Kosovo and Metohija to be part of its territory. Kosovo has been recognised by the US and most EU countries, but it is not a member of the UN due to the position of Serbia and its allies, in particular Russia and China.
Kosovo’s independence is also not recognised by a number of major countries and EU member states, notably Russia, China, India, Brazil, Indonesia, Ukraine, Spain, Greece, Romania, Slovakia, Cyprus, Bosnia and Herzegovina and South Africa. Of the 27 EU countries, five do not recognise Kosovo: Spain, Greece, Romania, Slovakia and Cyprus.