Brvenica win for Arkin Jahiji sharpens tensions between VMRO‑DPMNE and VREDI
VMRO‑DPMNE accuses VREDI of splitting votes that helped DUI’s Arkin Jahiji; parties insist the government’s programme is the true test.
The narrow outcome of the mayoral race in Brvenica has escalated tensions between the ruling party VMRO‑DPMNE and its smaller coalition partner VREDI, after VMRO‑DPMNE accused VREDI of acting as a “Trojan horse” who split votes and aided the victory of DUI-backed candidate Arkin Jahiji.
Hristijan Mickoski reacted on his Facebook page after his party’s candidate failed to win in the second round, arguing that VMRO‑DPMNE fought the contest “alone against everyone.”
Facebook post: “Alone against everyone. We with an electoral programme and concept, they with the support of demographics, the national map and a few Trojan horses to divert votes. Still, the increase in votes from the first round is clear and pure from 3,000 to 4,200, and compared to the parliamentary elections we have an increase of 1,300, but unfortunately not enough for a full victory.”
Parties exchange accusations, insist implementation matters
Despite the charges, VMRO‑DPMNE officials later downplayed the result as a litmus test for the coalition’s survival. They reiterated that, while they believe VREDI played a disruptive role, the real test will be whether the government delivers on its programme.
SDSM leader Venko Filipche criticized VMRO‑DPMNE for making Brvenica a headline, saying the ruling party is trying to portray itself as a victim instead of focusing on issues that would benefit citizens.
VREDI responded to the accusations by defending voters’ autonomy and rejecting any claim of controlling ballots.
VREDI statement: “No political party controls votes and cannot claim ownership of them. Votes belong to citizens who are free to decide whom to entrust their support. This is a democratic principle that should be respected by all. The civic model cannot be built by calls for ethnic voting together with SDSM and Levica.”
Meanwhile, the DUI candidate supported by NAI, Arkin Jahiji, thanked supporters after securing the mayoralty. Observers in Brvenica described scenes of celebration on election night: both campaign offices were full, with cheers for the VMRO‑DPMNE candidate on one side and jubilant supporters of Jahiji on the other.
Photo: press material from the event
