One day after Kosovo’s June 7 parliamentary elections, international partners focused their attention on the need for the swift formation of new state institutions.
In a statement to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the German Embassy in Pristina stressed the importance of Kosovo having fully mandated and stable institutions “without any further delay.”
“We need a strong partner with whom we can work. Progress on the path toward EU integration depends on all political actors setting aside their differences and working together in the best interest of the country,” the embassy said.
Similarly, the Italian Embassy in Pristina expressed hope that post-election negotiations would lead to the rapid establishment of new institutions, ensuring the stability necessary to continue reforms and address citizens’ priorities.
“We encourage all political leaders to engage in constructive dialogue and work together for the good of the country and its future,” the Italian Embassy stated.
Third Election in Less Than 18 Months
The June 7 elections were held after the Kosovo Assembly failed to elect a new president, following a ruling by the Constitutional Court.
They marked Kosovo’s third election in less than a year and a half, following the regular elections of February 9, 2025, and another snap election on December 28, 2025.
According to preliminary results from the Central Election Commission (CEC):
- Albin Kurti’s Vetëvendosje Movement (LVV) won 42.91% of the vote.
- Bedri Hamza’s PDK received 21.08%.
- Lumir Abdixhiku’s LDK secured 17.60%.
- AAK obtained 7.17%.
- Lista Serbe received 6.17%.
While diaspora and conditional ballots remain to be counted, the current results already indicate shifts compared to the December 2025 election.
Kurti Open to Cooperation
Following the election results, Kurti signaled openness to dialogue and cooperation with other political parties.
“In the coming weeks, we will communicate, meet, and cooperate with all political entities,” he told supporters on election night.
Kurti emphasized that this marks LVV’s fifth parliamentary election victory in less than seven years.
“In these fifth elections as well, it was proven that everyone competes, the majority votes, and we win,” he said.
“Coalitions Are a Normal Part of Democracy”
Political analyst Toby Vogel of the Democratic Policy Council in Brussels argued that any challenges LVV may face in forming a government are part of a normal democratic process rather than a sign of institutional dysfunction.
He pointed to Belgium, where coalition negotiations often take months or even years.
“Since no party has enough votes to govern alone, parties are forced to enter coalitions with forces that are not necessarily ideologically close. This is normal,” Vogel said.
Positions of PDK and LDK
PDK leader Bedri Hamza stated that a political agreement should be reached as quickly as possible to establish the new institutions.
When asked about potential cooperation with Vetëvendosje, he said he excludes no party and has “no red lines.”
Meanwhile, LDK leader Lumir Abdixhiku made support for Vjosa Osmani as president a condition for negotiations.
“We have our candidate, and she will be the starting point of every discussion,” Abdixhiku said.
Osmani later clarified that her name “has not been, is not, and will not become an obstacle to the creation of institutions.”
EU Calls for a Quick Government Formation
The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, also urged Kosovo’s political leaders to act quickly.
“Democratic and inclusive elections in Kosovo open the door to turning the page after more than a year of political deadlock. Political leaders must now engage constructively to ensure the swift formation of a government,” Kallas wrote on X.
The international message was clear: Kosovo’s partners expect political dialogue, compromise, and the rapid establishment of stable institutions to advance reforms and move the country closer to European integration.
