Kosovo’s parliament voted in the new government led by ex-prime minister and former guerrilla leader Ramush Haradinaj on September 9.

This ends the political deadlock in Kosovo following the inconclusive June election. A parliamentary majority was finally formed after the three parties in Kosovo’s winning PAN coalition led by the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) signed a deal with the liberal New Kosovo Alliance to form a new cabinet on September 4. President Hashim Thaci gave a mandate to Haradinaj to form a new government few days ago.

61 MPs voted in favour of the new government and one abstained. MPs from the opposition Vetevendosje party and Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) of former PM Isa Mustafa were not present during the vote, the assembly said in a statement.

Haradinaj, 49, is the leader of the centre-right Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) party.  He served as prime minister from December 2004 to March 2005.

In his address to MPs before the swearing-in ceremony, Haradinaj said that the new government inherited a difficult situation, both internally and externally.

At home, Haradinaj pointed out that education, healthcare, agriculture and the high jobless rate are among the areas that are in serious condition.

"The economy should see growth and investment in future, to create new jobs; healthcare and education should to be improved," Haradinaj said.

It is also important to consolidate the rule of law in Kosovo, according to the new prime minister. 

"On the international perspective, Kosovo’s main goals include membership in the international institutions, Nato, the UN and EU," said Haradinaj, adding that the strengthening of Kosovo’s friendship with the US is also a priority.

Speaking of regional cooperation, Haradinaj said that Kosovo assumes its responsibilities as a factor of stability, including the continuation of the dialogue with Serbia.

In 2008, Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia, which still regards it as a renegade province.

The new cabinet will have 21 ministries from five political parties. Behgjet Pacolli of the New Kosovo Alliance, which was the last to join the coalition government, will be deputy prime minister and foreign minister.

Other deputy prime ministers include Enver Hoxhaj, Fatmir Limaj, Dalibor Jevtic and Dardan Gashi.

Bedri Hamza was appointed finance minister, while Valdrin Lluka is minster for economic development and Bajram Hasani minister for trade and industry.

Minister for internal affairs is Flamur Sefaj, defense minister — Rrustem Berisha, justice minister — Ebelard Tahiri, infrastructure minister – Pal Lekaj, minister for European integration – Dhurata Hoxha, labour and social affairs minister – Skender Recica.

Uran Ismaili was appointed health minister, Kujtim Gashi is the new minister for culture, while Besim Beqaj is minster for innovation and entrepreneurship.

minister for diaspora and investment is Dardan Gashi, for education – Shyqery Bytyqy, for environment and spatial planning – Albena Reshitaj.

The local government and administration ministry will be led by Ivan Todosijevic, agriculture by Nenad Rikalo, the rural development ministry by Rasim Demiri, public administration by Mahir Jahxhillar, and ministry for communities by Dalibor Jevtic.