Skopje, 24 January 2023 (MIA) – The Alliance for Albanians (AA) is ready to run in early elections in June or September this year, but only if it has a guarantee from the political entities, including VMRO-DPMNE, that the process for constitutional amendments will begin, in which case it will not join the government. If, on the other hand, it has a guarantee that 80 votes can be reached, then it will start talks on joining the government.  

“The Alliance for Albanians is still an opposition party and everything is still at stake. There are positions in favor and against in the party. On Friday, the central presidency will decide whether it will become part of the government,” said AA leader Arben Taravari on Tuesday.  

According to Taravari, messages from international representatives are clear – constitutional amendments must be passed for the country to move forward.  

“Joining a government amid scandals is difficult and it can affect our ratings, but sometimes the citizens and society are more important than the party. If we have a guarantee that 80 votes can be reached, then we can start talks, if not, we will also think about it. We don’t want to risk our rating. But you see the messages of all relevant stakeholders – they all say it is good for the country to continue the negotiations together with Albania. It is very irresponsible to say “we are going for elections”. Messages from the international factor are to “start negotiations”.  

“If the government confirms that it can secure 80 votes, that is a condition. Let’s make a consensus that we open the Constitution and then yes, let’s hold early elections in June or September, in that case we won’t join the government. We wouldn’t enter into a risky move if constitutional amendments are not made. If we have a guarantee from VMRO-DPMNE that we will start the constitutional changes, let’s go through the two phases and hold the elections in June or September. Let’s find a solution together, find 80 votes and start talks,” Taravari told Sitel TV.  

If the situation is looked at only from a party perspective, Taravari pointed out, AA is the biggest critic of the government.  

“But we are faced with crises – the invasion of Ukraine, the energy and economic crisis, as well as two state crises: corruption and organized crime in the institutions, as well as the constitutional changes that are necessary in order to start the negotiations. We know where we stand and what situation we are in. Sometimes you have to know where you want to go. I keep saying, regardless of whether we will be part of the government coalition or remain in opposition, we will vote on the constitutional amendments. That will be our condition for the fight against corruption and for the rule of law,” said the AA leader.  

Taravari confirmed that if his party joins the government, he will not leave his current post of mayor of Gostivar.  

He added that nothing concrete has yet been agreed with the government coalition in terms of ministerial positions and ministries.  

In addition, Taravari mentioned that he doesn’t expect VMRO-DPMNE to make an issue in terms of the functioning of the municipalities if AA becomes part of the government coalition.