Kosovo’s new parliament convenes and rushes to elect a new government after deadlock

Pristina, Kosovo — Pristina, Kosovo (AFP) Kosovo The new parliament met on Wednesday for the first time since snap elections in December, aiming to approve a new government as soon as possible after more than a year of political stalemate in the Balkan country.

Prime Minister Albin Kurti is scheduled to obtain another term after his “Self-Determination” party won 57 seats in the 120-seat parliament. The party is expected to form a coalition government with several ethnic minorities.

On Wednesday, lawmakers chose former Justice Minister Albolina Haksiu as Speaker of Parliament.

Early voting was scheduled for December 28 after the Self-Determination Party He failed to form a government Despite winning the largest number of votes in the February 2025 elections. This led to a stifling political stalemate throughout the past year.

The formation of the new parliament was further delayed due to A Recount of votes Due to widespread violations.

Kosovo, a former Serbian province, declared its independence in 2008 after a war that took place between 1998 and 1999 and ended after a US-led NATO intervention. Serbia does not recognize the split and tensions have escalated since then.

The new parliament must first approve this year’s budget, which was delayed due to the political crisis. Lawmakers are also scheduled to elect a new president in March, with current President Vyosa Assoumani’s term ending in early April.

Prime Minister Kurti, 50, came to power in 2021 after also briefly holding the position in 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Kurti was a former political prisoner during Serb rule in Kosovo Difficult situation In EU-brokered talks on normalizing relations with Belgrade. Kosovo and Serbia have been told they must normalize relations if they wish to join the 27-nation bloc.

Washington and its allies recognized Kosovo’s independence, while Russia and China sided with Serbia in the conflict.

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Associated Press writer Jovana Cic contributed from Belgrade, Serbia.