Albin Kurti failed to secure enough votes to form the new government, marking the end of efforts to establish what would have been his third administration, “Kurti 3.”
The extraordinary session of the Kosovo Assembly, scheduled for 10 a.m., began over an hour late — at 11:20 — after Kurti’s delayed arrival. A total of 113 MPs were present.
Kurti presents his plan
Addressing the Assembly, Kurti outlined his government’s program, reflecting on the achievements of his previous term and the challenges ahead — including, as he said, the “threats from Serbia.” He also mentioned the Banjska attack.
Kurti emphasized that no political party had agreed to coalition talks, urging MPs to “vote in the interest of Kosovo, not their parties.” If approved, Kurti said his government would, in its first week, adopt the 2026 budget, increase minimum pensions and child benefits, raise the minimum wage, and amend the law on employing former KLA members in the private sector.
Kurti then proposed the lineup of his cabinet, including:
• Glauk Konjufca as First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora,
• Donika Gërvalla as Second Deputy PM and Minister of Justice,
• Fikrim Damka as Third Deputy PM and Minister for Minority and Economic Cooperation,
alongside 17 other ministers, including Nenad Rašić as the Minister for Communities and Returns.
Debate in the Assembly
Outgoing Finance Minister Hekuran Murati defended the proposal, saying that “Kurti 3” was necessary to avoid what he called the “worst option” — new elections. Support also came from Elbert Krasniqi, representing the Egyptian community.
Opposition leaders, however, demanded proof of a parliamentary majority.
“The time for words is over,” said PDK leader Memli Krasniqi. “It’s time to show whether you have the votes.”
LDK head Lumir Abdixhiku added that Kurti’s lack of majority had led to “serious constitutional violations — 48 times,” calling the caretaker government “usurpers.”
Serb List MP Igor Simić accused the outgoing government of “hundreds of decisions against the interests of the Serbian people, and even the Albanian people,” saying his party would not support such a government.
AAK leader Ramush Haradinaj called Kurti’s speech “an excuse for Kosovo’s current state,” describing him as “a product of hybrid warfare by our enemies.”
Vote and next steps
In the end, 56 MPs voted in favor of Kurti’s proposed government, 52 against, and four abstained — five votes short of the required 61-seat majority.
Assembly Speaker Dimal Basha declared that the mandate now passes to President Vjosa Osmani, who has previously said she will consult all parliamentary parties before giving a new mandate.
Should the next nominee also fail to form a government within 15 days, the president must call new elections to be held within 40 days.
The session took place despite the Constitutional Court still pending a decision on the Serb List’s complaint regarding Nenad Rašić’s election as deputy speaker — a seat reserved for the Serb community.
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