Former US Congressman Joseph DioGuardi has called on Kosovo’s political leaders to reach a consensus on the election of the country’s next president, warning that Kosovo cannot afford another cycle of institutional deadlock and repeated elections.
In a letter addressed to Kosovo’s political parties, DioGuardi also proposed Faton Bislimi as a candidate for the presidency, arguing that the role requires more than professional credentials.
“A president should have character, independence and sound judgment,” DioGuardi wrote, stressing that the presidency should represent the Republic rather than any individual political party.
He described Bislimi as someone capable of building bridges across political and social divisions, including between generations, Kosovo and its diaspora, Pristina and Washington, as well as rival political forces.
DioGuardi argued that Bislimi’s experience and ability to build relationships could be particularly valuable at a time when Kosovo’s political institutions remain divided.
He also stressed that Bislimi’s candidacy should be considered on the basis of his qualifications and merits rather than political or personal preferences.
The former congressman urged party leaders to move beyond discussions about general criteria and begin seriously considering specific names, with Bislimi among those placed on the table.
His intervention comes amid ongoing political discussions in Kosovo over the selection of the next president, with party leaders seeking a candidate capable of securing broad political support and preventing further institutional paralysis.
