“Kosovo needs unity and a vision that strengthens the state both domestically and internationally,” said Vjosa Osmani, the LDK’s candidate for president, during the official opening of the election campaign of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) for the June 7 elections, held at the “1 Tetori” Hall in Pristina.
“We are restarting this journey more united and stronger than ever, with unwavering faith in God, faith in the state, and faith in the family.
We are renewing our pledge to one another and swearing before the people and before God that we will not allow this state—entrusted to us by our ancestors and fallen heroes—to be destroyed by division. Instead, we will strengthen it, build it further, develop it, and protect it even more. We are continuing this journey together from this great political home, carrying on our shoulders the most precious political legacy that shaped our national survival and the creation of Europe’s youngest state, the Republic of Kosovo. Yes, we continue this path exactly where it began, with its three sacred pillars: Freedom, Independence, and Democracy,” Osmani said.
She thanked LDK structures and activists for their support and dedication throughout the party’s political journey. Osmani emphasized that together with LDK leader Lumir Abdixhiku, they aim to build a stronger Kosovo with more solid relations with international allies.
Osmani stated that Kosovo must move forward in close partnership with the United States and the democratic world, adding that development, state dignity, and unity should form the foundation of future policies.
She also spoke about the political legacy of Kosovo’s historic president, Ibrahim Rugova, describing Rugovism as a modern political orientation for Kosovo’s future.
“We have come together in this political home to continue a mission that remains unfinished, embracing the legacy of President Ibrahim Rugova and declaring that Kosovo can never be an instrument of political calculations because it is a project built on sacrifice and faith. That is why I accepted this responsibility within the LDK, fully aware that this is the moment to return Kosovo to its natural path—strong at home, respected abroad, united internally, and unwavering in friendship with our allies. Only in this way can Kosovo fulfill its historic promise and remain faithful to the sacrifice of its martyrs and heroes, to whom we owe everlasting gratitude.
There are people who say that Rugovism is merely history, that it belongs only to the past. But I tell you tonight: Rugovism is not a path of the past; it is the most modern political idea the Albanian people have ever known. Therefore, Rugovism belongs to the future.
Rugova understood very early something that others still fail to understand: a state is not built through noise and confrontation. A state is sustained through knowledge, allies, institutions, and dignity. While others thought about power, Rugova thought about Kosovo in Europe and a lasting friendship with America. While others closed doors, Rugova healed wounds. While others insulted and divided, he built friendships with the democratic world. While others mocked and attacked him, he brought people together and made them part of the institutions,” Osmani said.
She added that in a time of political polarization and social tensions, Rugovism remains the most advanced Albanian political model, describing it as politics with morality, a state with dignity, and a clear Western orientation.
Concluding her speech, Osmani stated that the Democratic League of Kosovo remains the political home of unity and the guardian of Kosovo’s democratic and Western identity.
