Jeff Hovenier, the former U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo, recently commented on the results of the parliamentary elections held last Sunday. Speaking at the Atlantic Council, he noted that while Vetëvendosje (VV) and Albin Kurti received the highest number of votes, they did not gain enough to form a government alone. He pointed out that a significant number of Kosovars still see the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) as viable leadership options.
Hovenier also highlighted the signals from political parties regarding potential coalitions and stressed the ongoing support for VV, although not from half the population. He remarked on the challenges ahead for coalition-building, emphasizing that past political behaviors may no longer be expected.
When asked whether tensions between the government led by Kurti and the U.S. impacted VV’s decline, Hovenier clarified that voter concerns were focused on jobs, a growing economy, healthcare, and education, rather than foreign relations or dialogue.
