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Kosovo Heads to Snap Vote With Kurti Favored as Deadlock Lingers

Months of stalemate have stalled key ratifications and drained millions from a fragile budget.

A man pushes a cart past an election poster for Kosovo's outgoing premier Albin Kurti
Serial winner: Kosovo's acting premier Albin Kurti
Former central bank governor Bedri Hamza greets his supporters during an election rally
Fated favourite? Kosovo's acting premier Albin Kurti may win the election but not end up as PM

Overview

  • Voters go to the polls on December 28 after an inconclusive February election and failed coalition talks left Kosovo without a functioning government.
  • Caretaker prime minister Albin Kurti and his Vetevendosje party lead polling, yet analysts predict he is unlikely to secure a governing majority.
  • Economist Mehmet Gjata and analyst Fatime Hajdari expect VV to finish first but warn the result may again produce no clear path to a cabinet.
  • PDK’s Bedri Hamza presents the main challenge, while LDK leader Lumir Abdixhiku positions his party as a potential kingmaker in post‑vote bargaining.
  • EU sanctions and US criticism followed Kurti’s push to dismantle Serbian parallel structures in the north, as unratified agreements and repeated ballots have left agencies leaderless and cost at least €30 million.