Kosovo is set for fresh elections after the parliament on November 19 rejected the formation of a new government led by Prime Minister-designate Glauk Konjufca.

Only 56 MPs from the ruling Vetëvendosje Movement supported the proposed cabinet, while 53 MPs voted against and four abstained, Koha.net reported. Without backing from any other political party, Konjufca failed to reach the required majority.

In his address to MPs before the vote, Konjufca urged lawmakers to avoid sending the country back to the polls, warning that approving the government was essential to ensuring the swift adoption of the state budget for 2026.

His proposed cabinet differed only slightly from outgoing Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s prior lineup, with the main change being the replacement of Infrastructure Minister Dimal Basha with Besnik Bislimi.

Konjufca became the second nominee for prime minister after the February 9 elections, following Kurti’s failed attempt to form a government on October 26.

President Vjosa Osmani then mandated Konjufca on November 4. Under the constitution, after two unsuccessful attempts, the president must now announce early elections, which must take place within 40 days of the announcement.

Earlier in the day, the Assembly convened to appoint parliamentary committees but failed to secure a quorum, as opposition parties boycotted the session in protest against Vetëvendosje’s initiative.

The February 9 elections saw Vetëvendosje win 42.3% of the vote, followed by the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) with 20.9%, Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) with 18.3%, and AAK-Nisma with 7.8%.

Political reactions following the rejected vote were swift.

Vetëvendosje MP Hekuran Murati accused the opposition of uniting with the Serb List solely to block Kurti, alleging they were willing to jeopardise salaries for public employees and benefits for children and pensioners.

AAK leader Ramush Haradinaj criticised Konjufca for seeking parliamentary support without first presenting a governing programme.

PDK MP Memli Krasniqi said the collapse of the second attempt to form a government had been predictable. He stressed that President Osmani must now set an election date as soon as possible, insisting that Kosovo’s finances, including EU funds and salaries, are not at risk despite claims made by Vetëvendosje.

With political tensions rising, Kosovo now enters a new electoral cycle less than a year after its last general vote.