NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has called for a stable government in Kosovo following Sunday’s parliamentary elections, vowing that the alliance will work with whoever takes charge.
Speaking ahead of a NATO defence ministers’ meeting in Brussels, Rutte stressed that the electoral process was democratic but warned that coalition talks could be tricky.
“This was a democratic process. We have the initial results, but vote counting is ongoing,” he told reporters. “It looks like there will be a coalition government.”
Rutte urged Kosovo’s political leaders to move fast in forming a government, saying: “We will work with whoever leads the country. We wish all politicians success in ensuring a stable government as soon as possible.”
Kurti’s gamble
With 99% of votes counted, Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s Lëvizja Vetëvendosje (Self-Determination Movement) has secured 47 of 120 parliamentary seats – the most of any party but not enough to govern alone.
The opposition Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) is projected to win 25 seats, while the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) has 20. A coalition led by the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) is on track for 8 seats.
Vote counting for diaspora ballots and conditional votes could slightly alter the final numbers.
Despite the lack of a clear majority, Kurti has declared victory, insisting that Vetëvendosje will form the government independently.
Uncertain path ahead
Political analysts warn that Kosovo’s new government faces an uphill battle, as no single party has secured a governing majority.
Minority non-Serb representatives, who have secured seats in parliament, have signalled willingness to back any government – whether led by Vetëvendosje or the opposition.
Sunday’s vote marked Kosovo’s first regular elections since declaring independence in 2008.
Observers reported a mostly peaceful election with some irregularities but no major incidents.
Turnout was 40.59% of the 1.9 million registered voters. Kosovars abroad also cast ballots by mail and at diplomatic offices worldwide.
With coalition talks looming, the big question remains: Who will lead Kosovo into the future?
