Kosovo will head to the polls on December 28 in a snap parliamentary election after a year-long political stalemate dissolved parliament and deepened the country’s financial strain. Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s Vetevendosje party emerged as the largest force in the previous election but failed to secure a majority or form a coalition, leaving Europe’s newest state without a functioning government. Analysts warn that another inconclusive result could prolong paralysis just months before parliament must elect a new president.

Voters appear frustrated by lawmakers’ inability to break the impasse, while opposition parties remain reluctant to govern with Kurti, accusing him of worsening relations with the ethnic Serb minority, damaging Kosovo’s international standing, and failing to improve living standards. Kurti, however, remains optimistic about winning an outright majority, campaigning on promises of higher salaries, major capital investment, and tougher action against organised crime.

The prolonged deadlock has delayed vital international funding, putting Kosovo’s fragile finances under pressure. Nearly 880 million euros in European Union budget support and 127 million euros from the World Bank remain stalled, with some funds at risk of cancellation if not approved soon by a new parliament. With poverty already widespread and healthcare and education under strain, many fear that another political impasse could jeopardise much-needed aid and deepen public hardship.

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