With the country under a caretaker government since February, the snap vote looms as a pivotal test of its polarized political landscape
Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani has signed a decree dissolving the country’s parliament, clearing the path for early legislative elections on 28 December after the second nominee for prime minister, Glauk Konjufca, failed to muster the required majority to form a new government.
This development comes nearly nine months after the 9 February parliamentary vote, marking the second election in 2025 and deepening Kosovo’s institutional crisis. This would be Kosovo’s seventh since the country unilaterally declared independence in 2008.
In a statement from the presidency, Osmani emphasized that the dissolution of the ninth legislative term adheres fully to the constitution and applicable laws. The move followed official notification from the Assembly of the second nominee’s election failure, as well as consultations with party leaders on the election timeline.
“We have exhausted all possibilities for constituting institutions based on the 9 February elections,” Osmani said, urging political actors to campaign with the “highest standards” to avoid further delays in critical funding, including over €1 billion in frozen EU deals and international loans.
The deadlock stems from Vetëvendosje Movement leader Albin Kurti’s inability to secure a coalition following his party’s plurality win in February – securing seats but falling short of the 61 needed for a majority.
Konjufca’s bid on 19 November garnered just 56 votes in favor, 53 against, and four abstentions, prompting the constitutional trigger for dissolution and a vote within 40 days.
Party leaders weigh in on the crisis and election date
During consultations, opposition figures lambasted the ruling coalition for the prolonged impasse, while proposing dates and outlining strategies.
The European Commission expressed regret over the failure to resolve the standoff, highlighting risks to Kosovo’s stability and EU integration.
Fatmir Limaj (Social Democratic Initiative) called on voters to “carefully assess the nine months” of dysfunction and “punish at the ballot box those responsible for failing to form institutions.” He described the period as a “nine-month cycle without a government – bad news for Kosovo” – and criticized major parties for lacking “political maturity, competence, and understanding of state-building.”
His party will contest the elections either independently or in coalition, with Limaj advocating 21 December to expedite recovery. “Kosovo has lost an entire year; citizens must reclaim responsibility,” he added.
Bedri Hamza (Democratic Party of Kosovo) echoed the push for 21 December, arguing it would “avoid losing more valuable time” and enable “fully functioning institutions as soon as possible.” While 28 December was discussed, his party prefers the earlier date. The PDK plans to enter the race with “a strong team, comprehensive program, and competitive candidates,” having prepared for this scenario. Hamza stressed no “red lines” toward potential post-election partners, signalling openness to alliances.
Ramush Haradinaj (Alliance for the Future of Kosovo) confirmed the decree’s signing and favoured 21 December to address “accumulated issues, especially the state budget,” granting the next government “an additional week” for fiscal duties like payments to public institutions.
He dismissed 28 December as clashing with “family holiday periods,” calling it “political arrogance.” The AAK will run independently, “fully prepared” with “zero tolerance” for obstructionists.
In contrast, Faton Peci (Guxo Party Co-Chair) supported 28 December as the “ideal date,” citing better preparation time for the Central Election Commission and convenience for the diaspora returning for holidays. He predicted a stronger showing for Guxo alongside Vetëvendosje, claiming voters will reward forces that “sought solutions through the people’s mandate” for a “greater electoral victory” than in February.