DioGuardi, a former Republican congressman, proposed Faton Bislimi for the presidency in a letter addressed to the leaders of Kosovo’s four largest political parties – Vetëvendosje (LVV), PDK, LDK and the Alliance.

He urged political leaders to consider Bislimi’s candidacy on its merits rather than on political or personal preferences.

“Kosovo deserves better. It deserves functioning institutions, political leaders willing to put the interests of the Republic above party priorities, and a president capable of uniting the country rather than deepening its divisions,” DioGuardi wrote.

He said Kosovo needed a president able to win the trust of more than one political camp, engage with both the government and opposition without becoming an instrument of either, represent all citizens and communities, and represent the country with credibility and dignity in Washington, Brussels and other international capitals.

DioGuardi said he had known Bislimi for more than two decades and had followed his commitment to Kosovo and his development as a public servant.

Bislimi’s background includes education in North America, including a degree from Harvard, experience with U.S. democratic institutions and service as a member of Kosovo’s parliament. He has also worked in political, academic, civic and international fields to strengthen Kosovo and its ties with the United States, DioGuardi said.

“A president must be more than a professional biography. A president must have character, independence and sound judgment. The presidency must belong to the Republic, not to a party,” he wrote, adding that he believed Bislimi possessed those qualities.

DioGuardi also praised Bislimi’s ability to build bridges between generations, Kosovo and its diaspora, Pristina and Washington, and political forces that are currently divided.

He urged party leaders to put Bislimi’s name on the table and assess his candidacy on its merits.

“Kosovo does not need another president who becomes the trophy at the end of a political contest. Kosovo needs a president who can become a symbol of the end of that contest,” DioGuardi wrote.

He said Bislimi had the education, experience, political acumen and commitment needed to serve as president, describing him as the candidate best prepared to lead the country at a time when consensus was most needed.

/Telegrafi/u.sh/

Speaking at the opening of the SP Assembly meeting, Rama said Tirana has been in a state of emergency for seven months following the imprisonment of its elected mayor, a situation that must be addressed urgently.

The government head called for new elections in the capital and proposed Manastirliu as the candidate to restore stability and governance.

Rama announced the choice at the party assembly, praising her record in government and calling the overhaul urgent.

“Ogerta Manastirliu represents the calm strength of Tirana. She is a former social affairs official in Tirana municipality, a devoted mother who has raised exemplary daughters in this city, and a skilled manager needed now to heal the open wounds left by a troubled governance in this extremely challenging year for the capital,” Rama said. “She will lead our transformative work towards Tirana 2030 – the capital of the Balkans in Europe.

Addressing Manastirliu directly, Rama acknowledged the sudden nature of the announcement but emphasized the urgency: “Albania needs Tirana like a train needs its locomotive, and Tirana needs the Socialist Party as its driving engine. There is no more time to wait; it’s time to put the right driver in control.”

Rama concluded by pledging full party support to Manastirliu as she seeks the capital’s vote of confidence in the upcoming mayoral elections.

/j.p/r.e/u.sh/

During the presentation of the objectives for the April 25 elections, asked about the proposal made to Dritan Leli, the Prime Minister Rama said that, “Leli did not see fit to be part of the team, but this will not prevent the SP from going as close as possible to the maximum target.”

“The formation of a team has internal dynamics here, it does not matter at all what one or the other has thought. It is true that I proposed him to become part of the team, he did not think fit to accept it, it is his choice. With or without him, our team in Vlora will achieve the basic objective and will get as close as possible to the maximum target, which is completely possible in my opinion,” the premier Rama said. //a.i/