December 28, moment of truth: Stability or stagnation?

Faithful Vasolli

For ten months, Kosovo has been living in an unusual political situation, while the last elections - although organized in accordance with the best democratic standards - failed to produce the majority needed to form institutions. Political fragmentation, lack of compromise and increased polarization brought about a new reality: a blockade that left Kosovo in limbo, in an uncertain space between the outcome of the elections and the inability to build a functional government.

This impasse led us to call new elections on December 28. But these elections are not simply a repeat of the electoral process; they are a defining moment for Kosovo. They are a test of our ability to build consensus around the functioning of the state and guarantee the stability that economic and social development requires.

This time, Kosovo does not just need well-organized elections. It needs elections accepted by all, for a result that is respected and that enables the formation of a stable government. Because, the functioning of the state depends not only on the correctness of the voting day, but on the willingness of political actors to cooperate and build institutions that work. Political dysfunction has consequences that go deeper than it seems on the surface. Every month without a government brings a clear bill for the country.

Reforms are slowing down, major projects are on hold, and international partners are losing clarity about the country's direction. For a small economy like ours, this political behavior has high costs. The private sector feels this uncertainty first and foremost. Companies postpone important decisions, development projects are delayed, foreign investors become more reserved, and fiscal policies that could affect economic growth remain on hold.

In such a climate of uncertainty, businesses enter a state of waiting. They hesitate to invest, avoid long-term plans, and wait for months for what should normally be decided within weeks. Capital, especially foreign capital, is sensitive to political instability. And capital simply goes where it is safest. Kosovo cannot afford to lose investment due to prolonged political instability.

Moreover, the state itself remains limited. Without a government, budgets operate on a temporary basis, public investments are limited, strategic agreements are stalled, and the trust of international partners is damaged. A country without a strong government is a country with a slow pace, and Kosovo does not have the luxury of wasting time.

Therefore, the elections of December 28 are not just a date on the calendar. They are an occasion for reflection, for everyone: for political parties, for civil society, academia, the media and citizens. Parties must show maturity, conduct responsible campaigns and respect the result.

Electoral institutions must guarantee full transparency. Civil society and academia must monitor the process and inform the public with professionalism. And, above all, citizens must go out and vote, because their vote is the only instrument that can break the cycle of insecurity.

Kosovo cannot allow another set of elections to fail to produce a government. This is not just a matter of political stability; it is a matter of economic development, the functioning of institutions, and the trust of citizens in their state. It is a matter of the future of Kosovo.

On December 28th, we are not just choosing the parties that will govern us. We are deciding whether our country will enter the coming year with functional institutions or with a new impasse that slows down our development and European integration. This is the moment to show maturity, unity and responsibility.

Kosovo needs stability. It needs a government. And we can only achieve this if everyone, including politics, institutions, businesses, media and citizens, performs their role with seriousness and integrity.