Arben Taravari, head of the Alliance for Albanians (ASH), promised on Saturday to do everything in his power to keep the opposition coalition VLEN united, calling it vital for winning elections and ensuring Albanian voices are heard in government. Speaking after a party meeting in Gostivar, Taravari said, “I’ll fight to the very end to keep VLEN together. We’ve been the key to success, and we’ll stay that way. Wherever my Alliance goes, victory follows.”
Taravari explained that ASH will negotiate with its VLEN partners but plans to run its own candidates for local council seats in upcoming elections. However, he left the door open for teaming up on mayoral races. “We’re in the government and doing our part. If someone thinks we shouldn’t be there, that’s fine by us,” he added, signaling flexibility amid ongoing political tensions.
He also shut down rumors of reuniting with ASH founder Ziadin Sela, saying, “No way—that’s not even on the table.” Taravari confirmed that Isen Shabani, who once planned to run independently, will now represent ASH in the race for mayor of Vrapchishte.
Meanwhile, a war of words continues between ruling VLEN and the Democratic Union for Integration (BDI) in opposition, led by Ali Ahmeti. Ahmeti told Ora24.tv and Almakos.com there’s no deal with Taravari for the local elections. “It’s their business how they move forward. I’ve asked VLEN organisation to leave the government—we’re not here to prop up anyone who undermines Albanian rights,” he said, pointing to BDI’s long history of fighting for equality.
Izet Mexhiti, a VLEN leader from the Democratic League (LD), fired back, rejecting Ahmeti’s claim that VLEN is just an “organization.” He said, “We’re a coalition of five parties representing Albanians in government.” Mexhiti also highlighted VLEN’s achievements, noting that the current government has directed 1 billion euros to local projects, including 300 million euros for 15 Albanian-led municipalities, despite having less power than past administrations.
North Macedonia, a small Balkan country, is home to a significant Albanian minority, making up about 25-30% of its roughly 2 million people. Since gaining independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, ethnic Albanians have played a key role in the nation’s politics, often pushing for greater rights, representation, and decentralization. Tensions between the Albanian and Macedonian communities peaked during a brief armed conflict in 2001, which ended with the Ohrid Agreement. This deal granted Albanians more rights, including language use and political participation, and set the stage for their influence in government coalitions.
Two main Albanian political blocs dominate today: the Democratic Union for Integration (BDI), led by Ali Ahmeti, and the newer VLEN coalition, which includes Arben Taravari’s Alliance for Albanians (ASH). BDI emerged from the 2001 conflict and has been a major player in government for over two decades, often partnering with Macedonian-led parties. However, dissatisfaction with BDI’s long rule has fueled the rise of VLEN, a coalition of five parties formed to challenge BDI’s dominance and offer a fresh voice for Albanians.
The Alliance for Albanians (ASH), founded by Ziadin Sela in 2015, split in recent years, with Taravari taking the helm of one faction. VLEN, including ASH, joined the current government after the 2024 parliamentary elections, alongside Macedonian parties, but its role has sparked debate. BDI, now in opposition, accuses VLEN of compromising Albanian interests, while VLEN argues it’s delivering results, like funding for Albanian-majority municipalities. As local elections approach in 2025, this rivalry is intensifying, with both sides vying for control of key towns and the loyalty of Albanian voters.
