Kosovo heads toward early elections after PM failed to form government
(MENAFN) Kosovo is preparing for snap elections after Prime Minister-designate Albin Kurti was unable to gather enough parliamentary support on Sunday to establish his third administration, according to reports.
During the parliamentary session, Kurti’s proposed “Kurti 3” Cabinet received 56 votes in favor, 52 against, and four abstentions—five votes short of the 61 needed for a majority in the 120-seat Assembly.
This marks the first instance since 2001 that a prime minister-designate has failed to secure a confidence vote on the initial attempt, reports said.
Following the outcome, Parliament Speaker Dimal Basha stated that the matter now rests with President Vjosa Osmani, who is expected to consult with party leaders to determine whether a new governing majority can be assembled.
As outlined in the Constitution, Osmani must nominate another candidate within ten days. If no coalition or viable government can be formed, early elections will need to take place within 40 days.
Addressing lawmakers after the vote, Kurti admitted that he had not reached coalition agreements but appealed for backing “in the public and state interest.”
He cautioned that the failure to form a government could hinder the approval of the 2026 national budget and disrupt several key social programs, including pensions, child benefits, and salaries for public sector employees.
Kurti’s proposed 20-member Cabinet included well-known figures such as Foreign Minister Glauk Konjufca and Finance Minister Hekuran Murati.
The ruling Vetevendosje (Self-Determination) Movement had sought support from minority representatives; however, opposition groups—the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), and Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK)—united against the proposal.
“Albin Kurti will no longer be prime minister,” PDK leader Memli Krasniqi declared after the vote, accusing Kurti of creating “a nine-month blockade.”
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