In an official ceremony with institutional tones and messages for state stability, Vjosa Osmani handed over the office to the president and parliament speaker Albulena Haxhiu, emphasizing the importance of institutional continuity and the role of women in leadership, KosovaPress reports.

Osmani said that it is her wish that Kosovo be led again by a woman, because according to her, women show special care towards institutions, but also for the citizens of Kosovo.

“On behalf of my colleagues in the Presidency, I wish you much success during your time as acting president. It won’t be an easy job, because I’ve tried both too. Although both have their challenges, being the head of state and leading the country’s foreign policy are extraordinary responsibilities, for which we wish you much success,” said Osmani.

She stressed the urgent need to elect a new president, warning about the importance of stability in a complex global context.

“We hope that Kosovo will elect a new president as soon as possible, in order to have institutional stability, when the whole world is going through major crises. When I came to office in November 2020, there were extraordinary circumstances, but we are leaving behind an extraordinary job. But what is most important, we will be available, both I and my staff, every day, 24/7, for any information that our country needs. Because commitment to the state is never linked to the positions we hold, and it will not be now either. Whatever you need, we will be just a call away. We have had good cooperation in the past, when we were MPs, when you were ministers, as well as in this period when you were elected Speaker of the Assembly. We have had an extraordinary team that has worked non-stop, always overtime and with dedication to the people of Kosovo”, she said.

Regarding institutional continuity, Osmani said that there will be an administration that consists of those who have started work since President Rugova and that he built this institution and will hand it over to Haxhiu.

For her part, Albulena Haxhiu thanked for the trust and work done, emphasizing the importance of integrity in institutions

“It is important for Kosovo to have people with high moral and professional integrity, and that with every decision they take into account the citizen of Kosovo. In this case, as President, I understand the responsibility and the Constitution. I pledge that I will act based on the Constitution and legislation in force. I hope that Kosovo elects the President as soon as possible, because circumstances may create difficulties if this does not happen. So, with special emphasis, the election is extremely important and its absence is not good for Kosovo or for the citizens, considering the tasks we have before us”, said Haxhiu.

She called on political parties to overcome differences on this key issue, demanding that priority be given to the constitutional obligation of electing the president, before political clashes.

“I call on the parliamentary groups and MPs to find a solution to the President’s issue as soon as possible. Let them put aside political grudges and let them continue after fulfilling this constitutional obligation,” she said

Haxhiu expressed her determination to exercise her duty with seriousness and professionalism, underlining that institutional cooperation and the commitment of the cabinet will be key to facing the challenges ahead.

The Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, in an extraordinary session, on April 4, 2021, with 71 votes “in favor” elected Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu as President of the Republic of Kosovo.

Osmani was elected after the third round of voting, where 82 MPs voted. 71 of the deputies voted for Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, 11 votes were invalid, while no deputies voted for the other candidate, Nasuf Bejta.