Skopje, 10 July 2026 (MIA) – VMRO-DPMNE and the Democratic Party of Turks of Macedonia (DPTM) signed a political partnership, cooperation and support agreement Friday, increasing the parliamentary majority to 59 MPs. After the signing, VMRO-DPMNE leader and Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said the agreement represents a significant step toward strengthening the parliamentary majority and political stability.

Mickoski noted that the partnership with DPTM is based on trust, mutual respect and a shared commitment to working in the interest of citizens.

“By signing the political partnership, cooperation and support agreement with the Democratic Party of Turks of Macedonia, we are sending a clear message that when it comes to the interests of citizens and the future of the country, there is room for unity around common values, principles and goals. This partnership is based on trust, mutual respect and a sincere commitment to working in the interest of all citizens,” Mickoski said.

He underscored that the Turkish community is an inseparable part of Macedonian society and said the cooperation is proof that policies can unite rather than divide. Referring to the political situation, Mickoski said that with the new partnership the ruling majority now has 59 MPs, but that he does not see this as a privilege, rather as a greater responsibility.

“Following today's political partnership, the governing majority consists of 59 MPs. We do not see this as a reason for self-satisfaction or as a political privilege. Quite the opposite, it represents an even greater obligation and responsibility toward citizens. The more trust we receive, the greater our responsibility to deliver results,” Mickoski said.

Responding to a journalist's question about DPTM's representation in the executive branch, Mickoski announced that the party will receive a ministerial position in the government.

“DPTM will be part of the government cabinet, it will have a minister, and we will present the person's name to the public soon, after the reshuffle is completed on Monday or Tuesday... During the following week, the proposal will be submitted to MPs. The cabinet member and their responsibilities will be presented to the public next week,” Mickoski said.

He added that he expects DPTM to nominate candidates for positions in other institutions as well, stressing that the political cooperation is designed as a long-term partnership that will continue through future parliamentary terms.

DPTM leader Beycan İlyas said the agreement reflects the alignment of the two sides' political programs and their shared vision of a stable and European state.

“This agreement brings together our program priorities and our common vision for a stable and European Macedonia. For the Democratic Party of Turks, joining the government is both an honor and a responsibility. Our priority will be to contribute to the country's development, improve the rights and institutional representation of the Turkish community, and preserve its linguistic and cultural identity,” İlyas said.

He added that, according to the coalition agreement, DPTM will have its representatives in other responsible positions within state institutions as well and that the party will be a constructive partner in the interest of the Turkish community and all citizens.

Asked about the reasons behind the cooperation with VMRO-DPMNE, considering that DPTM had previously been part of the European Front coalition, İlyas said the party had ended its agreement with the coalition ahead of the local elections.

"Perhaps you are not aware that, over the past period, we terminated our agreement with the European Front a year ago, before the local elections. In Parliament, we acted as an independent party. So, it is not that there was a turnaround; rather, we have now managed to reach an agreement and have formed a coalition with VMRO-DPMNE for many years to come," İlyas said.

Photo: MIA