The Alliance for Albanians (AA) party, led by Arben Taravari, has withdrawn from North Macedonia’s government, citing unfulfilled promises. This departure, occurring after a year in Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski’s right-wing coalition, shifts the AA into opposition. While the government retains a majority, the move highlights underlying tensions within the ruling alliance and could impact future political dynamics.
Key Takeaways
- The Alliance for Albanians (AA) has exited North Macedonia’s government due to perceived unfulfilled promises.
- AA leader Arben Taravari announced the party’s return to opposition.
- The government, led by Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, maintains a safe majority despite the departure of five AA MPs.
- The move necessitates a government reshuffle to replace AA ministers, including Health Minister Taravari.
- The departure follows weeks of internal friction within the governing coalition, particularly concerning the role and unity of ethnic Albanian parties.
Alliance For Albanians Exits Government
After a year as part of Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski’s right-wing government, the Alliance for Albanians (AA) has officially withdrawn, citing a lack of progress on promised reforms. Arben Taravari, the party’s leader, announced the decision following a party meeting, stating that the AA would now operate as an opposition force. This move, while significant, does not immediately threaten the government’s stability, as Mickoski’s coalition still commands a comfortable majority of 77 out of 120 parliamentary seats.
Political Ramifications And Reshuffle
The departure of the AA’s five Members of Parliament will necessitate a government reshuffle. Prime Minister Mickoski is expected to replace the ministers and deputies previously held by the AA, including Taravari, who served as Health Minister. This development follows weeks of growing unease and strained relations within the governing alliance, which Mickoski had attempted to alleviate.
Internal Divisions Among Albanian Parties
The AA’s exit underscores deeper divisions among ethnic Albanian political parties. In April, three of the four ethnic Albanian parties forming the junior governing Vlen (It’s Worth It) alliance opted to unify and present joint candidates for the upcoming October local elections. However, Taravari’s AA chose a different path, expressing skepticism about the unification and dissatisfaction with the perceived marginalization of Albanians within Mickoski’s government. This stance led to accusations from other Vlen leaders that Taravari was attempting to maintain a foot in both the government and the opposition, a claim he denied.
Impact On Government Stability And Future Elections
The stability of North Macedonia’s government traditionally relies on a strong ethnic Albanian partner, given that ethnic Albanians constitute approximately a quarter of the country’s population. Taravari played a crucial role in strengthening the Vlen alliance in last May’s elections, contributing to the ousting of the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI), which had been in government for two decades. While Vlen joined Mickoski’s government, the DUI has consistently argued that it remains the legitimate representative of the Albanian community and that Mickoski’s cabinet has marginalized Albanians. A poor performance by Vlen in the October local elections could bolster the DUI’s claims, potentially increasing pressure on Prime Minister Mickoski.
