Kosovo’s Parliament elected Justina Shiroka Pula as president following an agreement between the government and the opposition

Kosovo’s parliament elected Justina Shiroka Pula as president on Wednesday, thereby avoiding, at least for the time being, a fourth parliamentary election in less than two years. The election was made possible after the government led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti reached an agreement with the opposition to secure the necessary majority.

The presidency is largely ceremonial, but appointing Vjosa Osmani’s successor was essential to resolving the political crisis. The former head of state’s term expired at the beginning of April, and the lack of consensus over her replacement threatened to cause another institutional deadlock and snap elections.

The political agreement also included amendments to the law concerning the tribunal that tries war crimes committed during the Kosovo conflict. Last month, the court sentenced former President Hashim Thaçi to 25 years in prison. Three other former commanders of the Kosovo Liberation Army also received convictions, decisions that sparked discontent in the country.

The political crisis began after the February 2025 parliamentary elections, when Kurti’s party won 48 of the 120 seats and failed to quickly form a majority. After the snap election in December, the prime minister’s party rose to 57 seats, and the new government was approved in February with the support of several lawmakers from minority communities. The election of the president now allows the institutions to function normally and postpones the risk of another election.