The President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, said on Wednesday that assuming the role of head of the Republic five years ago was not the peak of her career, but just the beginning.

She made this emotional statement at an event for Women’s Week in Prishtina, which coincides with just a few days before she concludes her term as head of state.

“Five years ago, when I took office, I did not see it as the peak of my journey but as a beginning. It was the moment when responsibility started, and I did not take power as a privilege but as a service,” Osmani said.

According to Osmani, her five-year term at the head of state was a period during which institutions were strengthened and opportunities for women increased.

However, she also mentioned what she called a smear campaign against her, which she said occurred recently after she dissolved the Assembly through a presidential decree.

Although she did not mention names, the head of state said that when propaganda can turn someone into a traitor overnight, the entire democracy is at risk.

“In recent weeks, my work has been met with a smear campaign. It is an attempt to strip a person of human dignity. When propaganda can turn anyone into a traitor overnight, the entire democracy is at risk,” she said. /KosovaPress/