Kosovo Parliament Backs Albin Kurti-Led Government, Ending Political Deadlock

Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1314 EAT on Thursday 12 February 2026

Kosovo’s parliament has approved a new government led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti, ending more than a year of political deadlock against the backdrop of persistent tensions with Serbia.

In a 66–49 vote on Wednesday, lawmakers in the 120-seat assembly endorsed Kurti’s cabinet, hours after parliament convened for the first time since his Vetevendosje party won December’s snap election.

Before the parliamentary vote, Kurti laid out his government’s priorities, emphasizing economic growth and bolstering national defence. He announced plans to invest €1 billion ($1.18 billion) in the military, including the production of combat drones.

“Over the years, we have faced constant attacks and threats from Serbia,” Kurti said, highlighting the ongoing tensions with Kosovo’s northern neighbour, which has never recognised the country’s 2008 independence following the 1990s war.
A former political prisoner, Kurti also pledged to work toward “normalisation of relations” with Belgrade, stressing that this should be “a bilateral external relationship, not interference in our internal affairs.”

Northern Kosovo, where most of the ethnic Serb minority lives, remains a flashpoint. Yet both Kosovo and Serbia view normalisation as a key step toward fulfilling their European Union membership ambitions.

The parliamentary approval on Thursday broke a long-standing deadlock that had persisted since February last year, when Kurti failed to win enough support to establish a government.

Deeply divided lawmakers ultimately triggered a snap election in December, which Kurti’s Vetevendosje party won with more than 51 percent of the vote, securing 57 seats in parliament.

However, the results took weeks to confirm after alleged irregularities prompted a full recount and a criminal investigation, leading to the arrest of more than 100 election officials.

Now confirmed as Kosovo’s prime minister, Kurti has signaled his intention to move swiftly, including seeking approval for key international loans, notably from the European Union.