DUI demands accountability from Biljal Kasami after Vergina sun flag was raised in Tetovo and Albanian flag omitted

The Democratic Union for Integration (DUI) has demanded institutional accountability from the mayor of Tetovo, Biljal Kasami, after the party said that on September 8 the Vergina sun flag was displayed in the city center while the Albanian national flag was omitted during Independence Day commemorations.

DUI calls the omission a deliberate message

In a statement, DUI framed the incident not as a technical protocol matter but as an expression of how the authorities treat Albanian national symbols. The party argued that Vlen, which Kasami co-leads, had campaigned on equal use of the Albanian flag, anthem and coat of arms alongside Macedonian symbols — a promise that DUI says has been abandoned since the party entered government.

"First, Maksim Dimitrievski banned the use of the Albanian national flag in their office, then we saw ministers avoiding it in official pictures, while during the local election campaign the Albanian flag was missing precisely where it should have been most visible. Now, on a state holiday, when its use is foreseen by law, the Albanian flag has again been omitted," the party said.

DUI also points out that, at the same ceremony in Tetovo, a flag bearing the Vergina sun was installed in the city centre. The party noted that the Vergina symbol is not an official state emblem and said its presence at a national ceremony contradicts the Prespa Agreement.

"So, for those who promised equality of national symbols, the Albanian flag has no place, while an un-institutionalized symbol has a place at a state ceremony. This says more than any statement about their (Vlen's) current politics," DUI added.

The party has urged competent bodies to investigate the legal basis for raising the Vergina flag and to establish who ordered, approved or carried out the act. DUI also asked officials to explain why the Albanian flag was left out, saying laws must not be applied selectively and promises of equality should not be used merely to secure Albanian votes.

DUI warned that Kasami may make political compromises to retain office, but, the party said, he cannot "sell the dignity and national symbol of the Albanians." The party framed the 35th anniversary of independence as a day that should honour the state, the law and equality — not a day of humiliating or denying an Albanian symbol.

Photo: Архива