Kurti misses absolute majority - Kosovo is new!

Kurti misses absolute majority - Kosovo is new!

In today's parliamentary election in Kosovo, the left -wing nationalist party Veteevendosje under Prime Minister Albin Kurti missed the hoped -for absolute majority, according to the first forecasts. This first estimate reports OE24 Vetevendosje sees around 42.3 percent of the votes, while the right-wing Democratic Party (PDK) follows 21.3 percent and the LDK center-right party with 20 percent. The election outcome now forces Kurti to look for a coalition partner, which is a clear setback for the party, which in 2021 still had 50.3 percent of the votes.

The choice takes place against the background of international tensions and internal challenges. Daily show reports that the US government interfered in the election campaign due to Kurti's controversial policy towards the Serbian minority. Despite a slightly improved anti-corruption ranking during his tenure, Kurti is faced with sharp criticism from the ranks of the opposition. In particular, the LDK under Lumir Abdixhiku plans to form a coalition to act against Kurti's style of government, which is perceived as strongly populist. In the meantime, up to 500 million euros in aids from the EU and the USA are said to have been frozen due to Kurtis of confrontational politics, which could endanger the region's economic perspectives.

Political consequences and international reactions

Kurti's politics is strongly against the Serbian population who lives in the northern regions of Kosovo. A particularly critical point is his measures to eliminate the Serbian administrative structures, such as closing citizens' offices and post offices. Such steps have fueled fears that the quality of life of Serbian citizens suffers massively, report critics. Some even hope for a pro-Serbian turn under the new US government. Trump posters are already emblazoned on the walls in the Serbian areas of the north, symbol for longing for international support towards Kurtis.

The outcome of the election could be crucial for the political landscape of Kosovo, especially in view of the continuing international pressure on the government and the economic orientation of the country, which is one of the poorest in Europe. Observers are eagerly awaiting the possible coalition talks and the reactions for the disappointing results for the Veteevendosje.