PRISTINA, Kosovo — Kosovo's new Parliament on Wednesday swiftly approved a new government led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti, ending a yearlong political deadlock in the Balkan country.
Lawmakers backed Kurti's Cabinet with 66 votes for and 49 against in the 120-member assembly. The vote was held just hours after Parliament convened for the first time since a snap election in December.
Kurti secured a new mandate after his Self-Determination party won 57 seats in Parliament in December. The party formed an alliance with several ethnic minority groups.
In his speech before Parliament, Kurti pledged to fight corruption and invest in defense in the nation of some 2 million people.
''Today we are the most democratic country in the region, an achievement of both our society and our institutions and this standard must be preserved and advanced," Kurti said.
Lawmakers earlier on Wednesday chose former justice minister Albulena Haxhiu as Parliament speaker.
The snap ballot on Dec. 28 was scheduled after the Self-Determination party failed to form a government despite winning the most votes in a February 2025 election. This led to a crippling political deadlock throughout last year.
The new Parliament's formation was further delayed by a recount vote over widespread irregularities.
