By Elisa Spiropali, PS Member of Parliament
Serbians have massively expressed with their vote their will for change, thus closing, perhaps forever, the era of political dominance of Aleksandar Vučić.
The elections in Serbia remind us of what we have always known: that peoples have the ability and the power to change the direction of their country, even in the face of powers that claim to be permanent.
I wish that this election will open a new chapter for democracy in Serbia and cooperation in the region.
What happened in Serbia opens an opportunity for the Balkans that must be judged step by step by the actions and reactions that will follow. As Chancellor Merz emphasized, the stalling of the normalization of Kosovo–Serbia relations hinders the progress of the region. The new leaders have the chance and the opportunity to demonstrate that change also includes the elimination of a chauvinist mindset, readiness for dialogue, implementation of agreements, and respect for the sovereignty of Kosovo.
A special greeting to the Albanian representatives of the Preshevo Valley, with the expectation that their parliamentary voice will translate into greater equality, rights and opportunities for Albanians in Serbia.
Albania is interested in a democratic and European Serbia. The proof of this orientation will be the way the new government responds to its citizens and builds relations with its neighbors. With the support of the EU and the USA, this opportunity must be turned into concrete steps toward the lasting peace that we owe to the citizens and the new generation of the Balkans.