Early parliamentary elections were held in October 2019, won by the Self-Determination (VV) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) parties. The coalition government led by Albin Kurti (VV) was toppled on March 25, 2020, but voted again into office in March 2021 following a period of rule by the interim government of Avdullah Hoti (LDK).
Kosovo remains one of the poorest countries in Europe, with more than 40% of the population living below the official poverty line. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant economic contraction, and the economy relies heavily on remittances from the diaspora.
The VV and LDK parties promised a new standard for good governance and institutional accountability. Cooperation between Kosovo Serbs and the government has improved. However, the country is still struggling with corruption, deadlock in the EU-led dialogue with Serbia, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
