Skopje, 29 February 2024 (MIA) – The presidential candidate of the opposition coalition of ethnic Albanians, Arben Taravari, said he believes that the coalition has a realistic chance to beat Ali Ahmeti’s DUI at the coming elections. In terms of future coalitions, Taravari said the opposition bloc is a desired coalition partner both for VMRO-DPMNE and SDSM.

In an interview for Sloboden Pechat, Taravari stated that the main target of the opposition coalition of ethnic Albanians at the elections will be the Albanian electorate, but, he noted that they expect great support from Turks, Roma, Bosniaks, Macedonians and other ethnic communities as well.

In the interview, Taravari said he could have made a deal with the leader of DUI, Ali Ahmeti, to be the first Albanian Prime Minister or a presidential candidate, but that wouldn’t have led to changes in the country.

“Ahmeti’s offer was an offer that is difficult for someone to refuse. It would’ve been very easy. Our party and the pro-DUI parties would’ve participated together, we would’ve gained a certain number of MPs, but then, after that, we wouldn’t have a political identity. They offered me anything I want – both to be the first Albanian Prime Minister or a presidential candidate of DUI and the Alliance, or an MP. But that wasn’t my idea. Personally, for me it would have been better to reach a deal with Ahmeti, but then I would’ve had an issue with the voters,” Taravari told Sloboden Pechat.

Regarding the coalition forming capacity of the opposition bloc of ethnic Albanians, according to Taravari they’re the desired partner for VMRO-DPMNE and SDSM, but he underscored that they haven’t promised to form a coalition with anyone yet.

“If you were to carry out a poll of SDSM’s membership, you would see that the majority of them prefer a coalition with the Albanian opposition than with DUI. We haven’t promised to form a coalition with anyone. We will continue to compete in the Albanian bloc with the three priorities in favor of a European Macedonia,” Taravari said.

In the interview Taravari said a row was inevitable in the Alliance for Albanians due to long-standing disagreements with Ziadin Sela, since Sela is in favor of running independently at the elections, while Taravari said he believes they should attempt to bring about changes for the Albanians together with the opposition parties of ethnic Albanians.

Regarding the party’s future, Taravari said they are awaiting a decision from the relevant court, which will be respected regardless of what it stipulates.

Photo: MIA Archive