American Chamber welcomes election of Kosovo’s President: Focus must return to the economy

The American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo has welcomed the completion of the institutional architecture of the Republic of Kosovo, following the election of Justina Shiroka-Pula to the post of President.

In a reaction, the American Chamber stressed that, with Kosovo’s institutions now constituted, the focus must shift strongly towards the country’s economic and strategic priorities.

According to the Chamber, a new dynamic is needed in economic governance reforms, in improving the environment for doing business and investment, and in strengthening the rule of law.

“Measures must be taken that increase competitiveness and enable sustainable economic growth,” the reaction says.

The American Chamber of Commerce also assesses that full institutional functionality should give new impetus to Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic integration process and to the deepening of cooperation with the United States of America and other strategic partners.

Finally, the Chamber announced that it remains ready to cooperate with Kosovo’s institutions in advancing reforms, strengthening the private sector and contributing to the country’s economic development and Euro-Atlantic orientation.

“The American Chamber of Commerce remains ready to cooperate with the country’s institutions in advancing reforms, strengthening the private sector and contributing to the economic prosperity and Euro-Atlantic future of Kosovo.”

Justina Shiroka-Pula was elected President of Kosovo on October 7, following a last-minute agreement between the ruling Vetëvendosje Movement and the opposition Democratic Party of Kosovo.

The secret ballot began only six minutes before midnight on October 6, when the constitutional deadline for electing the president expired, but ended after that deadline. MPs were aiming to avoid the automatic dissolution of the Assembly and further early elections.

She was elected in the very first round of voting, with 81 votes in favour.

Shiroka-Pula, 72, was sworn in as president before the deputies of the Assembly of Kosovo and said she accepts the new duty “with responsibility”.

“This mandate belongs not only to one person, but to the citizens and the state,” she said in her speech to the deputies.

She pledged that she will be a president of all citizens and that she will defend the Constitution, the interest of the republic and the interests of the citizens of Kosovo.