Skopje, 13 April 2025 (MIA) - The one who leaves the VLEN coalition will be the biggest loser, said BESA Movement leader Bilal Kasami about his partner in the VLEN coalition, Arben Taravari, following disagreements within the coalition and criticism from the leader of the Alliance for Albanians regarding its functioning as part of the government.

“I believe that VLEN's significance... I won’t say more, but it held equal importance with Taravari as it does without him. However, the other stakeholders are still involved. On the other hand, every member within a family, coalition, or party has value because there will always be someone staying. Yet, if anyone leaves, it automatically creates an opportunity for another to step in. In my opinion, the biggest loser will be the one who leaves the VLEN coalition. In this case, I believe that VLEN will continue even stronger,” Kasami said in an interview with RFE about the turmoil within the coalition.

When asked about the chances, from today’s perspective, of the coalition jointly running in the upcoming local elections or whether it’s possible for Taravari to leave VLEN, he assesses that the possibility of the coalition surviving is realistic.

“We've tried challenging Ali Ahmeti and DUI individually and failed. Success came only when we united. Kasami hopes all coalition members will agree that the original goal of unity remains unchanged,” he said.

He claims that DUI has still not provided an answer for two decades of corrupt and criminal governance, nor for its lack of representation of the Albanian people. He considers that dialogue with DUI would be possible only after the party delivers accountability and undertakes reform.

Regarding what exactly Taravari is asking for and what is acceptable to VLEN when it comes to the distribution of mayoral positions and councilor lists, Kasami says that this is not the reason.

“In local elections, political strength or the value of political support is reflected in the electoral lists, as votes are cast for a party or coalition list. When it comes to individual candidates, citizens tend to vote based on personal appeal. We believe that either we will present joint candidates, both for mayors and councilor lists, under the VLEN coalition, or any alternative arrangement will not be recognized as part of the VLEN coalition,” Kasami said.

Photo: MIA archive