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Elections in Kosovo: A new European state in search of stability!

2025-01-30 14:25:17Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

Elections in Kosovo: A new European state in search of stability!

New parliamentary elections are being held in Kosovo. The current Prime Minister, Albin Kurti , is considered the favorite, while his challenger, Lumir Abdixhiku, is seen as the hope of the conservatives.

A place at a crossroads

The term “crucial choice” is used often – especially in Eastern and Southeastern Europe.

From the presidential elections in Romania, which were declared invalid by the Constitutional Court, to the parliamentary elections in Georgia accompanied by massive protests, to the upcoming elections in Kosovo – another European country is at a turning point.

On February 9, the newest state on the European continent will elect a new prime minister. These elections, in a country not yet recognized by Serbia, are seen as defining the future of Kosovo. Since declaring independence in 2008, the country has faced major challenges, such as high unemployment, weak institutions and mass emigration of young people. A country that needs stability.

Relations with Serbia remain tense

Relations with Serbia remain extremely tense. Serbia does not recognize Kosovo as an independent state. In recent years, there have been constant tensions between the two Western Balkan countries – in November alone, explosions occurred at two power plants in northern Kosovo.

Not forgetting the blockades and tensions on the Serbian-Kosovar border about three years ago. For this reason, these elections are an important test for the current Prime Minister Albin Kurti, whose party, Vetëvendosje (LVV), scored a historic victory with over 50 percent of the vote in the last elections in 2021.

A conservative alternative: Lumir Abdixhiku

Meanwhile, his conservative challenger, Lumir Abdixhiku of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), believes he has a good chance of becoming the next Prime Minister. He promises a new beginning for Kosovo, with a focus on economic growth, political transparency and the fight against corruption - key issues for the country of 1.5 million people.

Abdixhiku's plans are ambitious: he aims for economic growth of 5 percent per year and an increase in Kosovo's budget to 5 billion euros. At the same time, he focuses on rapprochement with the European Union, considering European integration a priority. In addition, he has announced reforms in the health and education sectors.

Support from Germany for Abdixhiku

The Kosovo elections are attracting increasing attention in Germany. CDU Bundestag member Peter Beyer has expressed his support for the conservative opposition candidate, Lumir Abdixhiku.

“I have known Lumir Abdixhiku for years and have worked with him successfully within the European People’s Party (EPP) family,” Beyer told the Berliner Zeitung. “He stands out as a young, but experienced and genuine leader,” added Beyer, who from 2018 to 2022 was the Coordinator for Transatlantic Cooperation of the German government under Angela Merkel. “He is a man of vision, but at the same time a realist: he understands that structural reforms are urgently needed,” the CDU MP emphasizes.

Kosovo and its importance for the stability of the Western Balkans

Political scientist Ulrich Schlie from the University of Bonn also analyzes the situation in the Western Balkans in a similar way.

“Against the backdrop of the political situation in Europe, the future development of Kosovo is crucial for the stability of the Western Balkans,” he says.

"To make Kosovo's European perspective a reality in the near future, politicians who are committed to European values, such as Abdixhiku, are needed," adds Schlie.

The role of Germany and the Kosovar diaspora

Germany is one of Kosovo's most important partners. It was among the first countries to recognize Kosovo as an independent state after its declaration of independence in 2008 and to establish diplomatic relations with Pristina.

During the conflict in the late 1990s, hundreds of thousands of Kosovar refugees took refuge in Germany. Today, around 500,000 people with Kosovar citizenship or descent live in Germany – forming the largest Kosovar diaspora in the world.

The elections of February 9, 2025, could determine the future of Kosovo and its relations with Europe.

The main question remains: will Albin Kurti continue to lead the country, or will Lumir Abdixhiku be the one to usher in a new era for Kosovo?/Berliner Zeitung


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