Albanian Language Media: 

• Kurti fails to secure votes for government, Kosovo heading toward new elections (media)
• Kurti: We continue as caretaker government toward new elections (media)
• Presidency: Osmani to invite parties for consultations within deadline (media)
• Krasniqi: Kurti will no longer be Prime Minister (media)
• KDI: After government vote failure, early elections remain most optimal solution (media)
• Without government and without budget, financial blockade looms in public sector (Koha)
• Trial continues for the Banjska Attack (media)

Serbian Language Media:

• Macut: The determination of Serbs and the resolve of the SL leaders are a bulwark against Kurti’s malicious intentions (Politika, Kosovo Online, Tanjug)
• Kosovo’s new government attempt collapses: Kurti five votes short (KoSSev)
• Petkovic: Kurti's presentation was an anti-Serb tirade without political content (KiM radio, Radio Mitrovica sever, KoSSev, Danas)
• Between irony and hope: What Mitrovica residents are saying after the vote (KoSSev) 

International Media: 

• Kosovo's parliament fails to elect prime minister as snap election looms (Reuters)

Albanian Language Media

Kurti fails to secure votes for government, Kosovo heading toward new elections (media)

The Assembly of Kosovo has not elected a new government. The proposal for “Kurti 3” received only 56 votes in favor, 52 against, and 4 abstentions. Speaker of Parliament Dimal Basha stated that responsibility now shifts to President Vjosa Osmani.

In presenting his program, the nominee for prime minister, Albin Kurti, said that he had not reached an agreement with any other party for a coalition government. He appealed to other parties for their votes in order to “continue good governance.” During his presentation, he also revealed the names of 20 ministers with whom he aimed to secure a majority. Now President Vjosa Osmani is expected to convene party leaders to determine whether a majority can be formed or if new elections will be necessary. This marks the first time that a nominee for prime minister has failed to win a confidence vote.

According to the Constitution of Kosovo, if the proposed composition of the new government fails to secure the necessary majority of MPs, the President must nominate a second candidate for prime minister within ten days, one who has the best chance of forming a government.

Following the failure, opposition parties stated that they would not join a governing majority and that Kosovo should prepare for new elections. Under the Constitution, elections must be held within 40 days from the date they are called.

Kurti: We continue as caretaker government toward new elections (media)

Following the failure to form a new government, caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti released a video from Sunday’s parliamentary session and thanked the MPs who voted in favor of his proposed cabinet. In his Facebook post, Kurti noted that with only 56 votes in favor, it is not possible to form a government, meaning Kosovo is heading toward new elections, as his party did not manage to secure the required votes. “I thank all the MPs who supported the proposal for the new government cabinet, and the citizens for their continued support. Since there were 56 votes in favor, 52 against, and 4 abstentions, our new mandate cannot yet begin. In the meantime, we will continue as a caretaker government toward new parliamentary elections,” he said, also sharing the full text of his policy address.

Presidency: Osmani to invite parties for consultations within deadline (media)

The new government proposed by acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti did not win a vote of confidence in the Assembly of Kosovo. As a result, the process of forming the government now passes to President Vjosa Osmani, who, according to her office, will invite political parties for consultations within the constitutional deadline. “President Osmani will invite the political parties for consultations, certainly within the constitutional timeframe and in accordance with her constitutional responsibilities,” media adviser Bekim Kupina told RTK.

A few days earlier, the President had stated that, in the event the government was not approved, she would, within ten days, invite the parties to determine whether any of them could secure the 61 votes required to form a government.

Krasniqi: Kurti will no longer be Prime Minister (media)

The leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), Memli Krasniqi, has stated that Albin Kurti will no longer serve as Prime Minister of Kosovo, asserting that “his era of governance has come to an end.” “Today it was definitively proven what we have been saying since day one, that Albin Kurti has been holding the country hostage because he does not have the numbers to form a government. There is no doubt anymore, 56 votes for Albin Kurti, and not a single one more. This marks the end of a political deception that has cost our country months of isolation, division, and wasted time,” Krasniqi said.

“I have said it before and I’ll repeat it again: Albin Kurti will no longer be the Prime Minister of Kosovo, neither from the February 9 elections nor from the next ones. His era of governance has ended. Unfortunately, despite ending up the first, Kurti and his party have left no room for cooperation, dialogue, or compromise. There is no doubt that the one responsible for the political, economic, and diplomatic crisis is Albin Kurti and his Vetevendosje Movement. The sooner we take the next step toward creating new institutions without Kurti and VV, the better for our country,” he added.

Regarding the next steps, Krasniqi said he expects an invitation from President Vjosa Osmani for a consultative meeting, where he will make it clear that there will be no further attempts to form a government and that Kosovo must head to new elections.

Krasniqi also comented Kurti’s proposal for a ministerial post for the current Speaker of the Assembly Dimal Basha. “Ask Dimal Basha if he even knew his name would be mentioned. When Kurti mentioned him, he started asking Albulena Haxhiu why. I’m not sure he even knew his name would come up. This was yet another sign of Kurti’s disregard toward the Assembly. How can you just tell the Speaker, ‘Come now, be a minister’? Was he regretful? Did he make a mistake? Why is Dimal Basha the Speaker of the Assembly? With this move, they have proven that even his proposal was mockery,” Krasniqi concluded.

KDI: After government vote failure, early elections remain most optimal solution (media)

The Kosovo Democratic Institute (KDI) has reacted following the failure of the government cabinet proposed today by Albin Kurti, the leader of Vetevendosje, the party that won first place in the February 9 elections. “More than six months after the constitutive session of the Assembly of Kosovo, the failure to form a government represents a disappointing development after this prolonged institutional crisis. This outcome is a direct consequence of the lack of political dialogue and the failure to reach agreements that would enable the normal functioning of the country’s institutions,” KDI stated.

“In these circumstances, early parliamentary elections represent the most stable and credible option to end this crisis and to return to the citizens the opportunity to determine the political direction of the country,” the statement reads.

However, KDI also warned that even elections cannot guarantee functional institutions if there is no political will and readiness for compromise afterward. “For this reason, it is essential that political forces reflect on the responsibility they bear for the country’s stability and contribute to restoring institutional normality, especially given the important decision-making processes awaiting the country in the coming months.”

Without government and without budget, financial blockade looms in public sector (Koha)

The news website reports that according to lawmakers and economic experts, the failure to form a new government has raised serious concerns as the non-approval of the 2026 state budget could lead to a suspension of public sector payments and capital investments.

The Democratic Party leader, Memli Krasniqi, warned that Kosovo faces “an unpredictable risk” if it enters March without a functioning government. “The danger that threatens the country in March, without a government, is unpredictable. We need to have a functional Assembly as soon as possible, even if that comes after new elections, so it can approve a new budget for 2026, ensuring the functioning of the state and a return to normality,” Krasniqi said.

Similar concerns were expressed by the acting Minister of Finance, Hekuran Murati, who highlighted the growing strain on institutions. “The absence of a 2026 budget, international agreements awaiting ratification, and many institutions left without boards, budgets, or oversight, all of this means we are moving steadily toward a critical point as the fiscal year draws to a close,” Murati warned.

According to the Law on Public Financial Management, the government must approve the draft budget by October 31, and the Assembly must pass it by December 31. However, since March, Kosovo has been governed by a caretaker government, which, under the Law on Government, cannot approve new legislation, except for the budget.

Blendi Hasaj, director at the GAP Institute, warned that if the caretaker government fails to use this exception or if budget allocations are not extended until March 2026, Kosovo could face a financial blockade.

Trial continues for the Banjska Attack (media)

At the Basic Court in Pristina, the judicial review continues today for the defendants Blagoje Spasojevic, Vladimir Tolic, and Dusan Maksimovic, who are charged with committing the criminal offense of terrorism.

In the previous session at the Basic Court in Pristina, the hearing against the three accused in connection with the  attack of September 24, 2023, in the village of Banjska, Zvecan, was postponed. The witness, Dragana Antonijevic, did not appear in court, claiming that she was currently in Serbia. The court found that she had not justified her absence. “For this witness, there has been no justification for her absence. The court will wait for her to provide proper justification through documentation or credible evidence, after which a decision will be made on whether she will be escorted by police authorities. Under these circumstances, we cannot continue the session,” said the presiding judge Arben Hoti.

Serbian Language Media

Macut: The determination of Serbs and the resolve of the SL leaders are a bulwark against Kurti’s malicious intentions (Politika, Kosovo Online, Tanjug)

The victory of the Serbian List in the local elections confirms the unity of the Serbian people and their determination to remain in Kosovo, as well as their trust in their state of Serbia, said Serbian Prime Minister Djuro Macut, noting that a challenging period lies ahead, given that Albin Kurti was already using political pressure and institutional obstruction to undermine the Serbian List, reported Kosovo Online.

“However, the determination of the Serbian people and the unwavering resolve of the Serbian List leadership are a strong bulwark against all of Kurti’s malicious intentions,” Macut emphasized in an interview with Politika daily.

He added that it was therefore crucial for the Serbian people to remain united and steadfast in defending their rights.

“We expect representatives of the international community in Kosovo and Metohija, especially KFOR, to act responsibly and prevent such moves from endangering the survival of the Serbian people. Belgrade, as always, will stand by its people—both in difficult and in better times—because the strength of a state lies in never forgetting those who suffer most, and believe the most,” Macut said.

Regarding the Berlin Process Summit held a few days ago in London, where he represented Serbia, Macut said that participation in the event was extremely important for Serbia, as it was an opportunity to clearly present its positions and priorities in regional cooperation.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/4mvnx7fv

Kosovo’s new government attempt collapses: Kurti five votes short (KoSSev)

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:

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/mutj8nfn

Petkovic: Kurti's presentation was an anti-Serb tirade without political content (KiM radio, Radio Mitrovica sever, Danas, KoSSev)

Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, Petar Petkovic, reacted to yesterday's presentation by Kosovo PM Albin Kurti, assessing that his address was "a catalog of insults against Belgrade and an anti-Serb tirade", without any real political content.

Petkovic believes that ''Kurti's speech was tendentious and full of hatred towards everything Serbian. Instead of solving the accumulated problems in Kosovo, Kurti, as stated, accuses Serbia and Serbs. At the same time, he brags about closing Serbian institutions and causing crises'', it was stated in a statement delivered to the media from the Office for KiM.

Petkovic believes that in this way Kurti was trying to cover up political failures and the loss of international support. His attacks on Serbia, the statement added, were just an attempt to cover up the fact that Pristina was the main source of instability in the region.

"Political failure and the lack of a positive program cannot be hidden behind phrases about an aggressive Belgrade," said Petkovic. 

It is emphasized that Belgrade will continue to advocate for peace, coexistence and support for the Serbian people in Kosovo. "Kurti's tirades are no longer believed even by his voters," concluded the statement of Petar Petkovic.

Between irony and hope: What Mitrovica residents are saying after the vote (KoSSev) 

“Much water will still flow down the Ibar before we realize that Pero should do his job, Rexhep his, Hasan his — and not everyone trying to be a musician, politician, doctor, president, mayor, grocer, and farmer,” says one Mitrovica resident, summing up in one sentence the irony, weariness, and awareness of change that can be heard these days on the streets of North Mitrovica.

Two weeks after the local elections in Kosovo — in which Serbian List once again won a convincing majority in Serb-majority municipalities — residents of North Mitrovica are speaking more openly than before, caught somewhere between pessimism, irony, and a cautious hope that “maybe new people” from the “old list” could bring some change.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/yp2pypsc

International Media

Kosovo's parliament fails to elect prime minister as snap election looms (Reuters)

Kosovo's parliament failed to elect Albin Kurti as prime minister on Sunday, increasing the likelihood that a snap election will be called to break a political deadlock following an inconclusive parliamentary vote in February.

Kurti, the leader of the Vetevendosje party who is currently serving as prime minister in a caretaker capacity, received only 56 votes in the 120-seat parliament - five short of the majority required to form a government.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/2sm8dr63