Kosovo heads toward early elections after failing to form government
(MENAFN) Kosovo is moving toward early elections after Prime Minister-designate Albin Kurti was unable to obtain the necessary votes to form his third government.
In a parliamentary session on Sunday, Kurti’s proposed “Kurti 3” Cabinet garnered 56 votes in favor, 52 against, and four abstentions, falling short of the 61 votes needed to command a majority in the 120-seat Assembly, as reported by sources. This marks the first occasion since 2001 that a prime minister-designate has failed to pass a confidence vote on the initial attempt.
Following the vote, Parliament Speaker Dimal Basha stated that the next steps rest with President Vjosa Osmani, who is expected to consult political leaders to see if a new governing majority can be formed. Under the Constitution, Osmani has 10 days to nominate another candidate; if no viable government is established, snap elections must be held within 40 days.
Addressing lawmakers, Kurti acknowledged that coalition agreements had not been reached and appealed for support “in the public and state interest.” He cautioned that the inability to form a government would threaten the passage of the 2026 state budget and disrupt key social programs, including pensions, child benefits, and salaries for public employees.
Kurti’s proposed 20-member Cabinet included familiar faces such as Foreign Minister Glauk Konjufca and Finance Minister Hekuran Murati. His ruling Vetevendosje (Self-Determination) Movement had sought backing from minority representatives, but opposition parties—including the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), and Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK)—banded together against the proposal.
“Albin Kurti will no longer be prime minister,” PDK leader Memli Krasniqi said after the vote, accusing the incumbent of causing “a nine-month blockade.” LDK leader Lumir Abdixhiku described the outcome as having “ended the eight months of deception,” while AAK’s Ramush Haradinaj declared that elections were now “the only solution.”
Acting Finance Minister Murati warned that holding new elections could slow progress on the EU Growth Plan and other major initiatives, but emphasized that his party had “offered cooperation to all.”
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
