Kosovo Faces Early Election After Parliament Fails to Approve New Government

Kosovo's parliament failed to approve a new government on Wednesday, setting the country on course for an early national election after months of political deadlock. Prime Minister-designate Glauk Konjufca, of the Self-Determination Movement, received 56 votes in the 120-member assembly — five short of the 61 needed to form a government.

Under the constitution, President Vjosa Osmani must now dissolve parliament and call an early vote within 10 days. This marks the first time Kosovo has been unable to form a government since declaring independence in February 2008.

Konjufca, advanced as a possible compromise candidate in place of acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti, appealed to lawmakers to avoid repeated elections.

'It would be arrogant to take the country to an election again,' he said. 'If we hold one in December, who guarantees that we won't have another one in March as well?'

Critics have accused Kurti, who has served as acting prime minister since 2021, of limiting political dialogue and straining relations with key partners in the United States and the European Union. The governing movement won the most votes in February but failed to build a coalition with a parliamentary majority.

The prolonged stalemate has left Kosovo without an approved budget for next year, raising concerns about the economic impact on a country of roughly 2 million people that already faces high poverty levels.

Serbia continues to refuse recognition of Kosovo's independence. While Washington and most EU member states recognize Kosovo, Russia and China do not. The unresolved relationship with Belgrade has also hindered Kosovo's progress toward EU candidacy.

Jovana Gec contributed reporting from Belgrade.