Skopje, 17 January 2023 (MIA) – DUI leader Ali Ahmeti is convinced the party will win the next elections. He believes that he has a moral and national right to call for a front to speed up progress on the EU path.  

“There’s no discussion that DUI will win the elections. They tried to defeat DUI, but they lost. So, let’s all think for a moment and get over our pride to see how we can build a front to speed up the path to the EU. And if anyone has the moral and national right to take this initiative, it is me, to invite everyone, because this is the most important moment to move forward, as well as to improve our standards,” Ahmeti said in response to a reporter’s question on whether DUI is afraid to run in the elections alone, and whether he is afraid of a rift in the party.  

DUI observed on Tuesday the 555th anniversary from the death of Albanian military commander Skanderbeg, who Ahmeti labeled as a strategist and a person of importance for the whole of Europe. Members of the so-called “Fire Group” within the party didn’t attend the event.  

Ahmeti also told reporters that the majority in Parliament in support of the country’s EU path would grow by Alliance of Albanians’ joining the ruling coalition. 

“The parliamentary majority is stable, but there is a broader and more promising approach, which means expanding that majority and creating an alliance for Europe,” Ahmeti said.  

Asked about the stability of the parliamentary majority considering DUI’s “Fire Group” of members criticizing their own party and DUI MPs, Ahmeti said that talks with the AA had “nothing to do with the Fire Group.” 

On Monday evening, AA leader Arben Taravari said in a TV21 appearance that his party may join the ruling coalition but if it did not, a snap election should be held. 

Taravari pointed out that according to the international community, however, the country should not hold elections but instead adopt the necessary constitutional changes to make progress on its EU membership path. 

“If we don’t join the government, then we go to the polls. There is no other solution. However, constitutional amendments are a priority for us. This is why we are prepared to become part of the government and help the process,” Taravari said.