Meeting with Deputy Prime Minister in Kosovo

An impressive encounter

‍

For the first time, we had a really positive and hopeful encounter with a high-level politician in Kosovo: Deputy Prime Minister Besnik Tahiri, who is currently acting as Prime Minister — due to Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti's Covid illness.

‍

‍

In a personal conversation, Besnik Tahiri told me a moving story that shows that compassion for animals can exist even in the highest levels of government. The same morning, he was driving with a police escort when he noticed a small puppy in the middle of the street — apparently abandoned, frightened and in great danger. A bus was approaching, which almost ran over the animal. Without hesitation, he stopped the entire motorcade. He first asked his driver to secure the puppy, but he had already fled under the vehicle.

What happened next was by no means self-evident: Besnik Tahiri crawled under the bus himself and pulled out the trembling puppy himself. This moment of human grandeur — far removed from cameras and political calculation — left a deep impression.

The puppy was later brought to the North Veterinary Clinic by vet Zenel Zhabari, where they are now taking care of the severely damaged animal. The chances of survival are uncertain — a motherless puppy, helpless at the mercy of the Pristina Strait. But the Deputy Prime Minister's commitment gives us all hope: hope for a growing awareness of animal welfare in politics and society.

‍

‍

This small act of humanity is symbolic — not only for all dog lovers in Kosovo, but worldwide. When compassion and responsibility towards animals reach the highest levels of politics, real change is possible.