Kosovo gets new government but political impasse persists

Kosovo lawmakers have voted in a new government led by Prime Minister Albin KurtiByZANA CIMILI Associated PressSeptember 13, 2026, 11:20 AMPRISTINA, Kosovo -- PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) — Kosovo lawmakers on Sunday voted into office a new government of Prime Minister Albin Kurti following an early election in June in the small Balkan nation that remains locked in a prolonged political crisis. Kurti's government received support from a slim majority of 62 lawmakers in the 120-member assembly. Opposition lawmakers boycotted the session, accusing Kurti of violating postelection procedures. Disagreements between key political players in Kosovo have led to an impasse over more than 18 months, which has not been resolved despite two early ballots. Lawmakers failed to elect deputy speakers of the assembly. Opposition parties insisted on their election before the vote on the new government is held. The crisis first started after an election in February 2025, when no party won enough votes to form a government. An early election in December 2025 ended with Kurti forming the government but parties could not agree on the president. To choose a president, Kosovo’s 120-member assembly needs a quorum...