Vjosa Osmani, President of the Republic of Kosovo, has categorically rejected claims that she has requested the construction of a presidential residence for personal use. Her office issued an official statement asserting that there has been no request for a private building with a personal courtyard, private rooms, or any other personal luxury.
Focus on Official State Needs, Not Private Luxury
According to the statement, the conceptual plan announced for the construction of the Presidency building has not received the President’s approval. Within the legal framework, she will request a revision of the project to adapt it to the real needs of the state rather than any personal interest.
President Osmani emphasized that she has only requested the construction of an official building that will serve for state meetings and receptions.
She highlighted that Kosovo is the only country in Europe, and possibly in the world, where the Head of State does not have a dedicated building for their function. Currently, official receptions are held in the Assembly halls, where, according to the Presidency, conditions are unsuitable, to the extent that leaders of friendly states face unpleasant odors from the sewage system.
Furthermore, the lack of appropriate spaces for high-level dinners or receptions has led to these events being held in private restaurants. This, according to the President, is an unusual practice for a serious state and a national shame that 26 years after liberation, this fundamental issue remains unresolved.
President Osmani further clarified that even if the construction of the official building begins, its completion will require at least 5 to 6 years, meaning she will not benefit from it during her current mandate. Therefore, any claims that she is building for herself are baseless and illogical.
Official Spaces Only, No Personal Suites
The President’s office stressed that no authorization has been given for the construction of any private suite or personal space. Instead, only official working and reception areas have been requested, including a reception suite for international leaders and counterparts, a common practice in any democratic country’s presidency.
The statement concludes by emphasizing that the construction of a building for the Presidency is a state necessity, not a personal luxury. The objective is to ensure dignified working conditions, security, and a proper representation of the state of Kosovo in international relations.
“The construction of this building is not about President Osmani, but about the institution of the Presidency and the respect that a state gives to itself and its representation,” the statement concluded.
