Kosovo’s ruling party, Vetëvendosje (LVV), which secured the most votes in the February 9 parliamentary elections, has pledged to form the next government despite lacking a clear majority.
Prime Minister Albin Kurti, who leads LVV, said he is awaiting the certification of election results before discussing the party’s next steps. “Nothing has changed regarding our stance on our political opponents. A hybrid war was waged against our government and LVV, yet we emerged victorious. The winner must, and will, form the new government,” Kurti stated, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
Can Vetëvendosje Secure a Majority?
Kurti has ruled out a coalition with Kosovo’s three major opposition parties—the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), and the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK)—all of which have also rejected cooperation with LVV.
Under Kosovo’s laws, the president must convene the new parliament within 30 days of official election certification. If the assembly elects its leadership, President Vjosa Osmani must then invite LVV to nominate a candidate for prime minister.
LVV is projected to hold 48 seats in the 120-member parliament, falling short of the 61 votes needed to form a government. Analysts believe Kurti is counting on support from the 10 seats held by non-Serb minority parties, as well as potential defections from opposition lawmakers in exchange for ministerial positions.
Fatmir Limaj, leader of the Social Democratic Initiative (Nisma) and an AAK coalition partner, has stated that he has no “red lines” regarding potential alliances, whether with LVV or the opposition.
However, political analyst Dritëro Arifi warned that a fragile government could struggle to meet international demands. “A single party like Vetëvendosje, with such a narrow and unstable coalition, would find it difficult to handle major geopolitical challenges,” he told RFE/RL.
Could PDK, LDK, and AAK Form a Government?
If LVV fails to form a government within two weeks, the president must offer the mandate to another party or group capable of securing a majority.
Arifi remains skeptical about a coalition between PDK, LDK, and AAK, arguing that it would not ensure long-term stability. He believes a coalition between LVV and PDK would be the most viable option, as it could also address the looming issue of the presidency when Osmani’s term expires next year.
“No political party in Kosovo has significant ideological differences. Their policies largely revolve around the public sector and salary increases. A coalition between LVV and PDK could work if they agree on 6-7 key priorities that would benefit the country,” Arifi said.
International actors have also emphasized the importance of a stable government. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte recently stated that the alliance would cooperate with whoever leads Kosovo but stressed the need for political stability.
