RMV candidate Arben Taravari admits he was encouraged by Kurti to run

Taravari said that at an informal meeting with members of the Alliance for Albanians, the Alliance for Albanians had been officially declared against running for president of state, but polls changed his mind.

We had an informal meeting in my office in the Gostivar municipality. It has also been Ziadin Sela and Justice Minister. It says it's good to run or Zijadin or Arben. I was classically not interested in running for president. I've had that conviction for a while. The surveys I saw and the encouragement I received changed my mind. The polls show very good numbers and very hopeful that we can go in second round”, Taravari said.

Asked by journalist Kelmendi if Prime Minister Kurti has influenced his decision to race for president, Taravari said Kurti has encouraged him to do so.

There has also been encouragement from Prime Minister Kurti. We talked to him once or two with Kurti, there was encouragement, Kurt thought that Arben Taravari could be a figure that can unify all Albanian parties and be the only candidate”, he said in Rubikon in Kosovo Clan.