Citizens have welcomed the election of Justina Shiroka-Pula as President of Kosovo, describing the end of the political deadlock and the election of a new president as an important development for the country. They said Kosovo should now focus on the future and on ensuring that its institutions function properly.
Doctor Ali Hajra, speaking to Ekonomia Online, said that what he believes should have happened much earlier had finally taken place.
“I have followed the whole process until the end and tried to assess it objectively. Finally, what should have happened much earlier has happened, and this tension across the entire population should not have been allowed to continue — will it happen, won’t it happen, this is the goal, that is the goal, she will do this, he will do that. Finally, it happened, and I think it was done very well. I honestly did not expect it. I particularly appreciated the consistent position of PDK Chairman Bedri Hamza. Every time he appeared before the cameras, he repeated the same message: this is our goal, this is our direction, there are no conditions, this is how it should be. In the end, I was very pleasantly surprised, and I think it was handled very well,” Hajra said.
Hajra also praised the citizens who had protested, saying they dispersed peacefully and with dignity after learning that the president had been elected.
“I especially appreciate the efforts of these young people. May everything good be in their souls and hearts for standing there for so many days, day and night, under the circumstances they faced, without causing the slightest incident. They caused no problems, they waited patiently, and when the news finally came that the matter was settled, they dispersed very peacefully, very respectfully and in a very civilized manner. No one has the right to complain now,” he said.
Hajra added that Kosovo should now look toward the future and that everyone should contribute within their own responsibilities and abilities.
“This is a very important moment. Kosovars must look ahead and focus on the future as they should, and work in that direction. Everyone, in their own place, in their own position and within their abilities, should contribute what they can, rather than waiting and saying, ‘What will the state do? What will this person do? Why doesn’t he do something for me?’ I start with myself and ask whether I am doing what I should be doing. That is why I believe things ended well,” Hajra said.
He also spoke highly of the new president.
“As for the president herself, in my opinion, she is a superb figure. A woman with all the positive qualities. Educated, experienced, she has held many positions and has proven herself. I believe she will continue in the same way in her role as president. She will be a President of Kosovo whom everyone should respect, and she should serve as a symbol of unity,” Hajra said.
Hesat Tërshani said the election of the president was a positive development for the citizens of Kosovo.
“We consider it a good thing for the citizens, especially for those from the KLA who waited until the very last moment. It may have happened late, but it is never too late. The road has its ups and downs, but now we need to respond to what citizens are asking for. The fact that for two years there was no agreement on a president has been very difficult for the people of Kosovo,” he said.
Speaking about Justina Shiroka-Pula, Tërshani said she deserves respect as an academic.
“She has my utmost respect. She has also been involved with the PDK, but she is an academic as well. Even if we had searched through an open competition, I don’t think we could have found a president so aware of the importance of the position. I believe this should have happened earlier, two years ago, rather than going through all these elections. She belongs to all of Kosovo. Her contribution is known, although she does not always receive enough praise for it,” Tërshani said.
Tërshani also recalled his participation in the protests and said he welcomed the eventual agreement that led to the president’s election.
“I was at the protests yesterday and I have participated in protests before. Even if they had used tear gas against us last night, we would still have been happy because something finally happened after these 21 days or however many it was. We came from Germany, and when we saw on television that they were coming together, we said, ‘Let’s go and do our part.’ That is how it turned out,” he said.
Meanwhile, Adem Mramori said the election of the president could pave the way for Kosovo’s progress.
“It is good that she was elected. This deadlock had gone on for far too long. We are pleased that the president was elected because, regardless of everything, perhaps Kosovo can now move forward. Many things had remained stuck because the state lacked leadership. So it is very good, and we are satisfied. We hope that from now on we will have things to work on and that our country will move forward,” Mramori said.
Mramori also said he believes the new president has the ability to lead.
“Certainly, she has the ability. She is as people describe her. I know her more as a public figure; I have seen her everywhere. She has also been involved in political leadership before. So certainly, I think it will be good,” Mramori said.
