Former PDK MP, Ferat Shala, has announced that he will not be part of the PDK's list of MPs in the June 7 elections.
Shala said that PDK needs new breath, while preserving its original political heritage and spirit.
He stated that not running does not mean leaving the PDK.
"My decision not to run on the list for MPs does not mean leaving PDK at all. On the contrary, I will continue to be part of PDK's structures, in the Presidency and the Steering Council, where I will give my contribution as at any time and in any circumstance," Shala wrote.
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PDK needs new breath, always preserving its heritage and authentic political spirit.
After a long political commitment, namely four terms as a deputy in the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, I have decided not to be part of the list of candidates of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) in the upcoming elections.
This is an irrevocable decision, which I have made after deep reflection on the needs for change that I believe our party needs.
This decision is in no way an avoidance of political responsibility, nor of the PDK's liberating and state-building ideals, which I have adhered to throughout my political and institutional journey.
On the contrary.
I take this decision as an act that I believe serves a much greater purpose than being part of a parliamentary legislature: creating space for a new generation of political cadres, with new energy, reformist ideas, and a clearer developmental vision for the future of our party and consequently of our country.
Our party, as a political entity with a central and historical role in the fight for freedom, in making peace and in building the independent state of Kosovo, has a constant need for internal renaissance; for political refreshment, for the empowerment of new ideas and decisions.
For more than five years, our country has been facing a general political, economic, and institutional regression, which has led to deep civic disappointment, not only towards the ruling class.
The events that followed the resignation of the President of the Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Hashim Thaçi, the President of the PDK, Mr. Kadri Veseli, and their surrender to The Hague, on November 5, 2020, produced a new, unclear reality, burdened with uncertainty and many unknowns for the future of our country.
However, I remain convinced that this is only a temporary crisis. Our society has proven in the past that it knows how to distinguish between illusionistic - propagandistic politics that sounds good and what is real.
In this context, I think that Kosovo's political and institutional scene needs more energy; for increased commitments and responsibilities.
I believe that today, and in the future, PDK should be much more competitive and much more representative on the Kosovar political scene.
I think that space must be created in PDK for a new political breath, much deeper than it is now. A breath that, while preserving its heritage and authentic political spirit, manages to respond with courage and vision to the challenges of the times to come.
I believe that PDK must take responsibility for guiding Kosovo towards sustainable economic and political development, towards strengthening democracy, law and justice, consolidating its international position, etc.
During this journey, I have had the honor and privilege to hold important institutional responsibilities, as a member of parliament, minister, and deputy minister.
For this, I would like to express my deep gratitude to all my colleagues in the party and in particular to my fellow travelers in difficult times, war and state-building: Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli and Jakup Krasniqi, without whom the successful political philosophy of the PDK, which is linked to the main historical processes of Kosovo; Freedom, Independence and State-building, would have no meaning.
My engagement in politics, although in one form or another it has been part of my entire life, this engagement has had only one goal: for our country to move forward.
I have tried to perform every task entrusted to me with honor, in the service of the public interest, state responsibility, and respect for voting citizens.
These principles remain unchanged; they will continue to guide me in my engagements in the future.
My decision not to run for office on the list for MPs does not mean leaving PDK at all. On the contrary, I will continue to be part of PDK's structures, in the Presidency and the Steering Council, where I will give my contribution as always and in every circumstance.
I started my professional career as a teacher in Drenica, and I will finish it as a professor at the University of Pristina.
Finally, allow me to thank all the men, women, and youth who have stood by me and supported me throughout this journey, my family, and especially my wife and friend Sala.
Special thanks to the comrades, supporters and voters of PDK, whose support has always been of the greatest value to me.
I sincerely thank you for your continued trust and support.
With respect, Ferat SHALA.
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