Kosovo Parliament approves new government ending yearlong political deadlock

Lawmakers voted 66 to 49 to approve Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s Cabinet after a snap Dec. 28 election, and Parliament also selected Albulena Haxhiu as speaker.

Kosovo's new Parliament voted to approve a government led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti, ending a yearlong political deadlock. Lawmakers supported Kurti's Cabinet with 66 votes for and 49 against in the 120-member assembly. The vote took place hours after Parliament convened for the first time since a snap election on Dec. 28. Kurti's Self-Determination party won 57 seats in the December vote and formed an alliance with several ethnic minority groups. Key developments: - Parliament approved Kurti's Cabinet with 66 votes for and 49 against. - Former justice minister Albulena Haxhiu was chosen as Parliament speaker. - The snap Dec. 28 vote followed a failed attempt to form a government after the February 2025 election and a yearlong stalemate. - Formation of the new Parliament was further delayed by a recount vote over reported widespread irregularities. - Lawmakers must still approve this year's budget and are set to elect a new president in March as President Vjosa Osmani's mandate expires in early April. - Kurti pledged to fight corruption and invest in defense, and he has taken a firm stance in European Union–mediated talks with Serbia. Summary: Approval of Kurti's Cabinet ends the political stalemate and restores a functioning majority in Parliament. The legislature still needs to pass the delayed budget and will hold a presidential election in March. Kosovo's relations with Serbia and progress in EU-mediated normalization talks remain part of the country's wider political agenda.