Kosovo parliament backs Albin Kurti-led government ending deadlock

"Before the vote, Kurti set out his legislative agenda, citing the economy and increased investment in defence as key areas, with plans to invest one billion euros ($1.18bn) for military purposes, including the production of combat drones. During these years, as we have all witnessed, we have faced constant attacks and threats from Serbia, said Kurti of tense relations with Kosovo's northern neighbour, which has never recognised its independence since it was declared in 2008 after a war in the late 1990s. However, the prime minister, a former political prisoner, promised to pursue normalisation of relations with Belgrade aimed at a bilateral external relationship and not interference or meddling in internal affairs."

"Thursday's vote ended a long period of political stasis after an inconclusive vote in February last year that left Kurti without the majority needed to form a government. Deeply divided lawmakers eventually forced a snap poll in December, which Kurti's party won with more than 51 percent of the vote, securing 57 seats. But the result took weeks to confirm, after alleged inaccuracies in the tally triggered a full recount and a criminal investigation that has seen the arrests of more than 100 election staff."

Kosovo's parliament approved a new government led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti in a 66-49 vote after more than a year of political deadlock. Kurti set out an agenda focused on the economy, increased defence investment, and reforms to health and education, including plans to invest one billion euros for military purposes and combat drone production. Kurti pledged to pursue normalization of relations with Serbia as a bilateral external relationship, while tensions remain high in the north where the ethnic Serb minority lives. A December snap election followed an earlier inconclusive vote, a full recount and arrests of election staff.

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