The **Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK, Partia Demokratike e Kosovës)** is a major center-right political party in Kosovo, rooted in the armed struggle for independence and focused on advancing national sovereignty, European integration, and economic development.[3][4] ### History Evolving from the **Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA)**—the guerrilla force that fought Serbian forces in the 1990s—PDK emerged post-1999 NATO intervention as a key player alongside the more moderate Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK).[2][4] Led by former KLA political chief **Hashim Thaçi** (president until 2016), it capitalized on war veterans' networks to build influence, contrasting LDK's nonviolent resistance under Ibrahim Rugova.[1][5] PDK entered politics amid Kosovo's transition from Serbian control, participating in the first post-war elections in 2001.[4] ### Key Achievements PDK has been instrumental in Kosovo's state-building: Thaçi served as prime minister (2008–2014), steering the 2008 independence declaration and Belgrade-Pristina talks.[3][5] It co-led early coalitions, passing foundational laws via the Kosovo Assembly, and championed NATO/EU alignment—critical for attracting foreign investment in tech and infrastructure.[4] Electoral wins, like strong showings in 2004 and 2017, solidified its "war wing" dominance.[1][5] ### Current Status As of recent years, PDK remains influential but faces headwinds from corruption scandals (e.g., 2018 "Pronto Affair" indictments) and voter fatigue with its long governance tenure.[5] Post-2020, it shifted to opposition amid Vetëvendosje's rise under Albin Kurti, amid economic woes and war crimes probes targeting leaders like Thaçi.[5][7] Membership draws fro