Milenkovic: Osmani is a symbol of a missed political opportunity

The four-year term of Vjosa Osmani was largely shaped by the policies of the Self-Determination Movement and the government of Albin Kurti. She did not voice any critical positions against these policies, nor was she significantly involved in Kosovo’s internal affairs, instead, her focus was on representing Kosovo at international events, Marko Milenkovic from the NGO New Social Initiative says for Kosovo Online.

"It seems that Vjosa Osmani has gained a better rating and image compared to Albin Kurti, who, over time, has isolated not only Kosovo but also himself. This is where Osmani found some differentiation, mainly in her approach to the international community. She appeared to be a more acceptable partner for discussions and constructive debates on global issues. Even now, it seems that the international community is trying to position her more favorably in political terms," Milenkovic explains.

Domestically, he notes, Osmani has lost political influence compared to 2021, when she was elected president, and her former political party is now closer to Self-Determination and Albin Kurti than to her.

"I believe she has almost entirely lost her political power and positioning. It seems unlikely that we will see her in a similar political role in the future. I expect her to face political collapse in the coming period and withdraw from major positions. When her presidential mandate was confirmed in 2021, minority parties, including Serb List, participated in the process. At this moment, something like that would be impossible due to the events that have unfolded and the shifts in political approaches by all actors in Kosovo," he states.

According to Milenkovic, there is little remarkable about Osmani’s tenure, apart from the dominance of Albin Kurti’s rule.

"Osmani was largely sidelined, and the biggest gap seems to be that international actors had expected her to position herself differently, ensuring a balance that would maintain relations with the international community. Instead, she appeared to be a silent observer and failed to use her political influence and the power of her position to bring about any lasting change or achievement. That is why I believe Vjosa Osmani is a symbol of a missed political opportunity, and that is how she will be remembered," Milenkovic concludes.