DUI Enters a New Political Phase: More Open, More Modern and More Responsible
By Ali Ahmeti
Today we have gathered at an important moment not only for the Democratic Union for Integration, but for the very state trajectory of North Macedonia.
This Congress is not merely an internal party organizational exercise. It is a moment of reflection and a starting point for the next phase of our country.
The Democratic Union for Integration was not born as an ordinary party.
We were born out of the need for peace, out of the demand for equality, and out of the deep conviction that this country can be stable only if it is just and offers equal opportunities.
From a period of extreme tension for the country, we built peace through the Ohrid Peace Agreement.
But I want to state this clearly: Ohrid was not an ordinary compromise; it was, and continues to be, a vision and a shared responsibility to build the country’s Euro-Atlantic future with full equality and functional democracy.
- From the struggle for rights, we moved to building institutions.
- From routine political confrontations, we moved to state-building.
Today, DUI is a force that protects the unitary character of the state, not through imposition, but through trust, representation and functional equality.
The time demands maturity and responsibility.
The world today is facing real global security risks: new conflicts, energy crises, economic pressures and technological transformations that are changing the way we live and work.
Our country faces serious challenges: youth emigration, regional inequality, declining trust in institutions, and social fatigue caused by noisy and unstable politics.
In this reality, political experiments are dangerous.
Populism is dangerous.
Policies that relativize stability are dangerous.
Today more than ever, the state needs political maturity and a long-term vision.
Strengthening the unitary character of the state
We firmly believe that the unitary state of North Macedonia is strengthened only when all citizens feel genuinely represented and included in decision-making.
Unity is not built through mechanical majorities and majoritarianism.
Unity is built through double legitimacy, consensus and mutual respect.
The unitary state of North Macedonia can be functional and sustainable only if it rests on the trust and loyalty of all communities living in it. In this spirit, and in line with the Ohrid Peace Agreement, we propose three key measures that guarantee fair representation, functional equality and social cohesion:
First: Election of the Government with a double majority (Executive Badinter)
- We propose that every new government composition gain the confidence of Parliament not only with a majority of all MPs, but also with a majority of MPs from non-majority communities.
- This will ensure that the government enjoys double legitimacy and is genuinely representative of all ethnicities.
- This mechanism is a guarantee for equal functioning of the state and for preserving interethnic cohesion at the highest levels of decision-making.
Second: Application of the Badinter Principle in the Constitutional Court
- Laws adopted by a double majority in Parliament should not be overturned in the Constitutional Court without a double majority among the judges as well.
- We propose changes that would ensure that decisions affecting the rights of non-majority communities are not taken without mutual consensus within the Court.
- This measure will preserve the integrity of laws adopted with a double majority, increase citizens’ trust in justice, and prevent any form of institutional majoritarianism.
Third: Deepening decentralization and local self-government
- We propose a new phase of functional and fiscal decentralization, with further transfer of competencies in education, healthcare, local development and management of public assets.
- We call for financial independence of local self-government units through a fair scheme for returning taxes and fees to the municipalities where they are collected.
- Citizens should have more direct access to public services and real influence over policies that affect their daily lives.
- This decentralization model will strengthen local democracy, reduce the grey economy and improve quality of life in all regions of the country.
This political proposal aims to consolidate state unity not through majority dominance, but through equal interethnic partnership, fair institutional functioning and empowerment of local government. This is the only path to a stable, functional and just North Macedonia for all its citizens.
Rule of law and trust in institutions
Without strong institutions, there is no functional state.
Without independent justice, there is no equality.
We support institutions that function without compromise toward corruption, with professionalism and accountability.
Justice must not be selective.
The judiciary and the prosecution must be independent, adequately funded and strictly compliant with the law governing their financing. They must be a guarantee for every citizen, without distinction.
DUI’s position is clear and unwavering: we demand full vetting and a comprehensive investigation, without exceptions.
- Support for DUI’s draft law on vetting with international oversight, as a guarantee of uncompromising justice.
- Investigation of all holders of public office over the past 34 years: ministers, MPs, mayors, directors, judges, prosecutors and police officers.
- Verification of assets and their origin for every public official.
- In-depth investigation of the privatization process that created untouchable oligarchs.
- Investigation of the activities of state security bodies and their officials from 1945 to today (OZNA, UDB, SDB, DBK, UBK, ANB).
A National Agreement for Progress
Our country has gone through moments of great courage. We gave the world the Ohrid Agreement, which secured peace and coexistence, and demonstrated political maturity with the Prespa Agreement and the Agreement on Good Neighborly Relations. Each of these achievements was born of wisdom, sacrifice and deep belief that peace is the foundation of all that is good.
But today we stand before a new chapter—one in which peace alone is not enough, and stability alone is not enough. Our citizens demand more. Our children deserve more. Therefore, the time has come for a new historic agreement—not for survival, but for progress—a National Agreement for Progress.
We know how to build peace. Now we must prove that we know how to build progress as well. The National Agreement for Progress is not just a policy—it is a commitment of all communities living in our Republic and of experts in their respective fields. It is a moral pledge, a promise to our children, and a vision of a country where dreams are achievable and dignity is guaranteed.
Let this Agreement become our next national achievement—the moment when stability turns into progress and peace transforms into advancement. Let it remain as evidence that we united not only to avoid conflict, but to build a better life for every citizen. Progress is stronger, more sustainable and more beautiful when it is shared by all.
A more prosperous future awaits us. Together, with wisdom, unity and determination, we will build our progressive European future.
We believe that true progress is not measured only by economic figures, but by quality of life, social justice and the real opportunities we create for our citizens. Our vision is built on a development model that is competitive, fair, sustainable and fully European.
The National Agreement for Progress: a shared development vision
At the center of this vision stands a competitive and modern economy, led by the private sector and innovation—an economy where competition is fair, monopolies, oligarchy and the informal economy are limited, and the tax system is fair, efficient and equal for all. Support for business must be transparent, performance-based and aligned with EU standards, encouraging investment, employment and integration into European value chains.
Digital transformation is an essential catalyst of this development. Digitalization of administration and the economy, and strategic use of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence, will increase productivity, improve public services and create high-value jobs for younger generations.
There can be no sustainable development without macroeconomic stability and sound public finances. We are committed to fiscal discipline, transparency and accountability, protecting capital investments and modern public finance management. Budget digitalization and expenditure control are guarantees of credibility, transparency and responsibility.
A fair and modern tax administration is a pillar of this model. Full digitalization of tax processes, timely VAT refunds, electronic payment systems and the fight against the informal economy create fair competition, increase business confidence and strengthen the tax base without increasing the burden on citizens.
Our development must also be green and sustainable. A strong economy is built on a clean environment, secure and affordable energy, and rational use of natural resources. Investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency and modern agriculture are investments in security, independence and long-term progress.
Modern infrastructure is a prerequisite for balanced development. Our strategic position on pan-European corridors (Corridors 8 and 10) must be transformed into a real economic advantage. Investments in transport, logistics, digital connectivity and municipal infrastructure improve quality of life and create opportunities for every region. Representative tourism, based on our natural and cultural assets, can become a driver of local development.
At the center of every policy stands the human being. Human capital is our greatest asset. Quality education linked to the labor market, modern and inclusive healthcare, and sustainable social security are the foundation of a strong and cohesive society.
Above all, an engaged and empowered youth is the guarantee of the future. Young people must see prospects here, not abroad. Through education, innovation, entrepreneurship, sports and culture, we create space for participation, creativity and hope. Our policies aim to keep young people in the country, bring professionals back, and turn the diaspora into a development partner.
An inclusive society, built on equality, respect and solidarity, is the foundation of shared progress. And we firmly believe that progress is stronger when it is created and shared by all.
European integration – our irreversible path
North Macedonia’s membership in NATO represents the fulfillment of one of our strategic goals, strengthening security and stability, increasing international credibility, and creating more favorable conditions for economic development and investment.
Membership in the European Union is also our strategic state objective and our irreversible political orientation. It is not merely a technical or diplomatic process, but our historic choice for a modern, democratic and functional state built on European values and high governance standards.
We do not implement reforms for Brussels.
We implement them for our citizens.
We do so for stronger and more trustworthy institutions, for independent justice, for a competitive economy and for a higher standard of living for every family. European integration is the path to making the state function better, the administration more efficient, and the rule of law stronger.
The integration process is also a process of stability and security. It guarantees long-term peace, good neighborly relations and an active role for our country in Europe’s security and development architecture. Through European integration, North Macedonia consolidates its democracy, strengthens social cohesion and protects the multiethnic character of the state as a value, not an obstacle.
DUI respects and supports the Macedonian national identity in the European integration process, recognizing that only a consolidated state integrated into the EU can preserve and cultivate the national identities of the peoples living here.
DUI has been and will remain the guarantor of the country’s European course. We have made difficult but correct decisions, always guided by the long-term interest of the state and its citizens. We have proven that we can lead responsibly, with political maturity and strategic vision.
As a reliable partner of the international community and a factor of stability in the region, DUI remains committed to European reforms, political dialogue and social consensus. European integration is not an alternative—it is our only path toward a safer, fairer and more prosperous future.
This is our irreversible path.
This is our historic responsibility.
And this is the future we will build together.
A call for the future
DUI is entering a new political phase: more open, more modern and more responsible.
We call on young people, women, professionals and the diaspora to become an active part of this state-building process.
The future is not built with noise, but with vision.
Not with divisions, but with equality.
Not with experiments, but with state responsibility.
DUI will continue to be the force of unity, stability and European integration.
The future does not wait.
We have the responsibility to build it together.
Together, with wisdom, unity and determination, we will build our progressive European future.
*From the speech delivered at the 5th Congress of DUI on 20 December 2025 in Skopje, North Macedonia