Following Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s visit to Preševo, Preševo Mayor Ardita Sinani has called for equal treatment of Albanian citizens and investment without ethnic discrimination.
In a Facebook post, Sinani said that every investment in the municipality’s settlements is welcome, but stressed that Preševo cannot be treated according to “double standards.”
“Preševo is not merely a part of the map to be visited when it suits someone. Preševo is home to citizens who demand the same attention, the same rights, and the same treatment from the state,” she wrote.
Sinani highlighted the municipality’s investments in Maminac and Svinjište, noting that the local government does not divide citizens based on their ethnic affiliation.
She said the same standard must also be applied by Serbia’s central institutions.
Sinani said the municipality has officially requested investments for the “Prof. Ibrahim Kelmendi” School, the school in Maminac, the “8 March” kindergarten, and other projects, while questioning why requests affecting Albanian citizens should have to wait for years.
“Why should Albanian citizens have to wait for years for responses, projects, and investments from central institutions?” Sinani asked.
The Preševo mayor further stressed that she does not oppose investments in areas inhabited by other communities, but wants development to be based on equality.
“We are not asking for privileges. We are asking for equality. We are not asking for more than others. We are asking not to receive less,” she declared.
Sinani addressed Vučić, the Government, and Serbia’s institutions, saying that Preševo is ready for cooperation, but not to remain silent in the face of discrimination.
“The Albanians of Preševo are here. They are citizens. They have needs. They have rights. And we will not accept being treated as second-class citizens or as if we do not exist at all,” Sinani said.
