The current Mayor of Deçan, Bashkim Ramosaj, is seeking a third governing mandate in this town.
In an interview for KosovaPress, the candidate of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) for the head of Deçan, Bashkim Ramosaj, spoke about his engagement and vision for the future of the municipality, touching on key topics such as infrastructure, economic development, and the challenges in relation to central institutions.

He believes his governance has delivered tangible results for the city, while emphasizing the need for greater institutional support in the future.

Ramosaj is convinced that the administration he has led has given the best example of local governance, mentioning an inclusive approach towards every settlement and citizen of the municipality.

"I believe we have argued a lot, I believe we have proven a lot that we are more capable in our work and have provided very eloquent solutions for this city despite challenges, numerous obstacles, budget shortages, unfair treatment and misunderstanding from the central level in budgetary aspects. We have perhaps represented a generation that has made a revolution in this city in terms of construction and infrastructure solutions. We framed this city, gave clear concepts of where to move it forward, and proved we are very serious. I treated every settlement equally, and all citizens of Deçan, regardless of political affiliation or differences, as members of my own family. I have never said ‘no’ when it shouldn’t have been said, and when I said ‘yes,’ I kept that promise and never deceived anyone. I am not known for any negative phenomenon in this city, beyond my 24/7 dedication, regardless if it was Sunday or Saturday, midnight or early morning — we were always ready to help and complete public works in service of the city.”

The Mayor of Deçan, Bashkim Ramosaj, expressed the personal bond he has with the city, for which he says he dreams of turning into a better place.

"Deçan is my birthplace, my city, the city where I send my children to school, where my children receive healthcare services, and where they experience daily life. I live in this city every day, with the feeling and progress of this city. I dream of a better city. It is simply the city of my ancestors, and it will also be the city of my descendants. A city I love deeply and am very proud of. A city that is worth proudly saying out loud that I am from Deçan.”

In the third mandate he seeks, Ramosaj says his two key priorities are infrastructure and economic development.

"We have already set our priorities, which still unfortunately have to do with infrastructure. The other priorities are concepts of economic development at the sectoral level. Regarding infrastructure, these include sewage systems, sidewalks, roads, lighting, and similar things that make citizens’ lives easier. The other concept, economic development, is our daily commitment to functionalize the potential and resources this city has — tourism, agriculture, healthcare, education, culture, youth, sports, and our heritage, which must all be integrated together. But for me, the most important sector of this city still remains tourism.”

According to him, tourism remains the sector with the greatest potential for Deçan, and the municipality aims to fully put this potential into function.

As mayor who has governed Deçan for nearly eight years, Ramosaj is convinced that his experience and commitment will continue to yield results even in a third mandate. He said that if re-elected, he will continue offering what he always has.

"It is the same thing I have always offered — my serious and genuine commitment to move this city to another stage of development. I did this in the first and second mandate, and I believe I will do it in the third as well. I am convinced of this — that Deçan will move to another level of development, one where everyone will feel comfortable and where the city will lack no aspects of citizens’ demands from the municipality or state institutions regarding matters that should have already been addressed by now.”

The Mayor of Deçan, Bashkim Ramosaj, has already led this city for two terms.

In the October 12 local elections, he has chosen the motto “We Speak Through Work.”