February Elections: Will Kosovo’s Opposition Find Its Voice?

With elections in Kosovo set for February 9, 2025, the clock is ticking — just 147 days from now. Kosovo faces a critical decision.

As Kosovo approaches its next election, the country finds itself at a critical juncture, one that will not only test the resilience of its democracy but also the very essence of its sovereignty. My journey to this small Balkan nation, deeply embedded with historical scars and contemporary conflicts, began in earnest in September 2022. That was when Serbia, Kosovo’s long-standing adversary, signed a foreign policy alignment agreement with Moscow. This move was far more than a mere diplomatic gesture; it was a calculated alignment with a regime known for its revanchist ambitions and destabilising influence in Europe. The implications were clear: Serbia, emboldened by its newfound alliance with Russia, would likely ramp up its efforts to assert control and sow discord in the Balkans, with Kosovo as a prime target.

At the time, I was in Ukraine, reporting for The Guardian on the harrowing realities of Russia’s war. From the frontlines in Kyiv to the politically fraught landscape of Moldova…