Farizi: VMRO-DPMNE dominant, VLEN pushes DUI aside in local elections

Political analyst Lulzim Farizi stated that the local elections in North Macedonia confirm the dominance of the ruling VMRO-DPMNE within the Macedonian political bloc, while the Albanian political bloc has undergone major changes, as VLEN achieved convincing victories and DUI celebrated only one win, in Caska.

“In the Macedonian bloc, everything went as expected—VMRO-DPMNE ‘crushed’ the competition, not only in Skopje but throughout the country. The party won more than 30 municipalities in the first round, and more victories are expected in the second,” Farizi said.

The real change, he noted, occurred within the Albanian segment of the political scene, where VLEN achieved strong results.

“After VLEN became part of the government, it was expected to win in Tetovo and Cair, but it went further and wiped out DUI and other Albanian political parties in several municipalities of Skopje and Tetovo. Now DUI is celebrating only one victory, in the municipality of Caska, which hides a major defeat in these local elections,” Farizi emphasized.

He added that the biggest winner of the elections is Arben Taravari and that changes can be expected within DUI.

“Now there will be different endings in DUI... Some may seek their future in another political party, especially in VLEN. Let’s not forget that the current leader of VLEN, Izet Mexhiti, was once part of that party, and many of them will join him to be closer to power. I don’t believe DUI can survive without control of the central and local government,” Farizi said.

He concluded that it is now time to show results on the ground.

“I expect political parties to take a step forward—that is, mayors who have won must roll up their sleeves and start working on meeting the basic needs of citizens in their municipalities, especially in the city of Skopje, addressing the problems of pollution and public transport that affect everyone,” Farizi concluded.