Vetevendosje Secures Victory in Kosovo Elections, Promises Government Action
The Albanian nationalist Vetevendosje party has won a landslide victory in Kosovo's parliamentary elections, according to preliminary results. With approximately 90% of the votes reported, the party, known for promoting 'self-determination,' secured 50.8% of the vote, granting its leader, Albin Kurti, a third consecutive term in office.
The resistance faced by Kurti and Vetevendosje in previous elections underscored their previous lack of parliamentary majority, which had led to months without a functioning government in Kosovo. Following the latest election results, questions arose about whether voters would penalize Kurti for the prolonged standstill in the National Assembly or whether opposition parties would be held accountable for their refusal to compromise on governance with Vetevendosje.
Ultimately, the electorate favored Vetevendosje, although it did not achieve an outright majority. As Kurti approaches the task of forming a government, he may find support from ethnic minority parties, which comprise 20 of the 120 seats in the National Assembly.
This victory is notable as it represents Vetevendosje's fourth successive win in parliamentary elections, following a previous election this year that resulted in an impasse. Kurti described the recent outcome as the greatest victory in the history of the country and expressed hope for collaborative governance with opposition parties.
Arben Gashi of the Democratic League of Kosovo acknowledged the importance of this electoral outcome, advising his peers to reflect and act responsibly moving forward.
In the context of the significant international stakes, Kosovo is eager to address its economic challenges. The absence of a stable government has prevented access to crucial European Union funds, impacting hundreds of millions in potential investments. Additionally, Kurti's past actions have strained relations with international allies like the EU and the US, particularly regarding issues affecting the Serb minority within Kosovo.
While the EU has agreed to lift punitive measures imposed in 2023, it will thrive for a pragmatic engagement approach in the long-ignored normalisation dialogue with Serbia—an area where Kurti has historically preferred a more forthright stance.
Despite various critiques concerning Vetevendosje's governance, many citizens have viewed the alternative parties as less favorable. The choice reflects a significant measure of dissatisfaction with the past administration's failure to ensure economic development and fulfill promises made since Kosovo's declaration of independence in 2008.
Artan Muhaxhiri, an observer of the political landscape, pointed out numerous governance flaws under Vetevendosje, yet conceded that voters perceived opposition parties as potentially more detrimental to Kosovo's future.



















