Northern Mitrovica remains a focal point for Kosovo’s political leadership and citizens alike, particularly during the festive season. On a recent visit, Kosovo’s Foreign Minister Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz emphasized the integral connection between North Mitrovica and Kosovo.
“Northern Kosovo and Mitrovica are inseparable parts of our Republic. No force can stop the extension of Kosovo’s sovereignty across every inch of its territory,” Gërvalla-Schwarz declared following a walk through the city.
A Political Hub Amid Festivities
North Mitrovica has become a popular destination, drawing officials from Pristina, citizens from the south, and members of the Albanian diaspora returning for the New Year celebrations.
The city’s central promenade is frequently bustling with visitors from southern Kosovo, their movements closely monitored by a visible security presence of Kosovo police officers, both in civilian clothing and heavily armed.
This weekend was no exception.
Diplomacy and Campaigning
“Long live Mitrovica of Isa Boletini,” exclaimed Gërvalla-Schwarz, referencing a historical figure synonymous with Albanian resistance.
The visit coincides with Kosovo’s upcoming parliamentary elections on February 9, as coalition partners from the „GUXO“ movement and Albin Kurti’s Vetëvendosje Party intensify their campaigning.
The coalition is headed by Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, Minister of Agriculture Faton Peci, and Gërvalla-Schwarz, all of whom are rallying support for what they hope will be a third term for Kurti’s administration.
Kurti himself has set an ambitious goal of securing half a million votes, with a special focus on the diaspora and symbolic visits to Northern Kosovo.
“Our citizens, wherever they are in the world, are the heart and soul of this process,” Gërvalla- Schwarz said during a public forum in South Mitrovica, echoing her sentiments expressed earlier during the walk.
Celebrating Local Leaders
Gërvalla-Schwarz paid tribute to her colleague, Faton Peci, whose roots trace back to Mitrovica.
“We are immensely proud of his work, courage, and integrity,” she remarked, praising Peci’s efforts to combat corruption and support Kosovo’s rural communities.
She described him as a tireless advocate for justice and progress, embodying the spirit of Mitrovica.
Peci, in turn, highlighted the achievements of the Kurti administration, describing the synergy between governance, security, and diplomacy as unprecedented.
“Bread, weapons, and diplomacy have harmonized like never before to build the future our citizens deserve,” Peci stated, adding that the government had successfully stood firm against external pressures from Serbia and Russia.
„Could you please step aside? You’re in the way“
We came across part of the delegation today on the promenade, hosted by Mayor Erden Atić.
Despite our repeated inquiries about the purpose of the visit, we received no answers—only a remark from the team asking us to „step aside because we were in the way.“
Preuzimanje i objavljivanje tekstova sa portala KoSSev nije dozvoljeno bez navođenja izvora. Hvala na poštovanju etike novinarske profesije.
