vendosje

Vetëvendosje! (Self-Determination) is a Kosovo political party and social-movement known for its anti-corruption, reformist, and nationalist stance. It originated as a civil movement in Pristina in 2005, founded by activists including Albin Kurti, with the aim of achieving self-determination, accountability, and social justice. It mobilized through street protests against UN administration (UNMIK) and perceived corruption and oligarchic influence, using direct-action campaigns and participatory-democracy tactics. In 2015 the movement transformed into a political party and began contesting elections while maintaining grassroots activism.

Ideologically, Vetëvendosje is generally described as left-wing and nationalist, emphasizing anti-corruption, rule of law, social welfare, and democratic reform. It advocates closer integration with the European Union, reform of public institutions, and a negotiated but sovereign approach to relations with Serbia within an EU-facilitated framework. It has urged dialogue with Belgrade while prioritizing Kosovo’s autonomy and measurable reforms.

Electoral history and government: Vetëvendosje emerged as the largest party in the Kosovo parliamentary elections of 2019 and soon formed a government, though the cabinet was toppled by a no-confidence vote in March 2020, leading to early elections in 2021. In the 2021 elections, Vetëvendosje won a large majority and formed the government under its leader Albin Kurti, who has served as prime minister since 2021, after briefly leading the government in 2020 during an interim period.

Influence and reception: Vetëvendosje is influential among urban and civil-society constituencies and remains a central force in Kosovar politics, shaping debates on anti-corruption, governance, and Kosovo’s path toward European integration.