Kosovo PM wins early vote expected to end political deadlock | World

Kurti’s Self-Determination Movement obtained 50% of the votes, with around 95% of the ballots counted this Sunday (28), according to the Central Electoral Commission. Four other parties also won seats in Parliament.

His fourth election victory demonstrated a marked improvement in his popularity among Kosovars, who shrugged off the months of political stalemate that followed Kurti’s election victory in February, after which he failed to form a governing majority.

Voters backed Kurti, 50, to seek sovereignty and quickly integrate Serb-majority regions, even at the risk of displeasing the country’s main allies.

Yet months of political stalemate have left the economy stalled and hampered efforts to improve relations with allies and the Serb minority. Parliament was paralyzed, with the interim administration unable to pass laws, budgets or ratify international funding agreements.

With Parliament unable to function, reforms have been paralyzed and EU-backed and donor-funded projects in energy, infrastructure and the environment have been postponed or frozen. Business groups have warned that prolonged uncertainty is hurting investor confidence and hurting growth in one of the continent’s poorest economies.

The United States, whose support was vital to the formation of the nation of Kosovo, suspended a planned strategic dialogue with the country in September, citing concerns about the stability of its institutions.

Tensions also persist in Serb-majority northern Kosovo, where checkpoints and frequent patrols reflect ongoing challenges to local governance.

Meanwhile, EU-led negotiations with Serbia, which does not recognize Kosovo’s independence, are at an impasse.

Kurti nevertheless received a boost from the EU when it announced it would lift all sanctions against Kosovo by the end of January.