Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti, who is seeking another term in office, recently stated that his aim—and that of his party, Vetëvendosje—is for the leadership of the Assembly and the new government to be voted on in a single session. However, he did not clarify how he plans to achieve this.

As of now, Vetëvendosje, the winner of the February 9 elections, does not have the necessary votes to form new institutions.

What do analysts say about this?
“The only hope remains NISMA with its three MPs, which has given signals that it might join Kurti’s government cabinet,” said political analyst Artan Muhaxhiri.
“The three seats won by NISMA, in coalition with AAK, could support Kurti’s government—but nothing is certain, as there’s been no official statement,” added journalist Shkëlzen Dakaj.

The possibility of NISMA’s deputies being Kurti’s only chance was also hinted at by Vetëvendosje Presidency member Albulena Haxhiu, who excluded major opposition parties from negotiations.

“I believe that after the certification of results, the work for forming the Republic of Kosovo’s institutions will continue—specifically for Kurti’s third government. We will have ongoing efforts to meet with parliamentary groups, excluding the opposition—so, only with our coalition partners and others whom we will approach,” Haxhiu said.

However, Vesel Krasniqi, a member of NISMA’s presidency, denied the possibility that their deputies would vote for Kurti’s government if they are not formally included in the ruling coalition.

Meanwhile, opposition parties maintain a firm stance against collaborating with Kurti. On Monday, AAK leader Ramush Haradinaj reiterated:

“We’re committed to an opposition coalition, an opposition government. I don’t believe anyone from the opposition will work with the ruling party. NISMA is also committed to the opposition coalition. I don’t think they [Vetëvendosje] can form a government—they’re delaying things because they don’t have the numbers. They’re ten MPs short compared to last time.”

The Central Election Commission (CEC) certified the final results on Thursday, March 27. According to the results:

• Vetëvendosje (VV) secured 48 seats

• PDK came second with 24 seats

• LDK won 20 seats

• AAK-NISMA coalition secured 8 seats

Given these numbers, coalition-building is necessary, as no party can govern alone.

It remains to be seen whether Kurti’s Vetëvendosje will be able to secure enough votes. If not, the mandate may pass to the second-largest party—PDK. However, forming an opposition coalition also presents challenges, as parties have their own conditions, including ambitions for the prime minister’s post.