DUI and Vredi Clash Over the Ohrid Framework Agreement

Albanian‑bloc parties in North Macedonia have clashed publicly over the place of the Ohrid Framework Agreement in the country's narrative, after a government video marking 35 years of independence drew accusations that Albanians were omitted from the commemorations.

Opposition Democratic Union for Integration (DUI) said the anniversary material presented an exclusively Macedonian version of history and argued the omission followed what it described as two years of systematic erosion of Ohrid's mechanisms. "Instead of this jubilee representing all citizens and the shared path of the state, the Government chose to present exclusively a Macedonian version of its history. The spot is only in the Macedonian language. The artists are Macedonians. Albanians practically do not exist in the story the Government prepared for the country's 35 years. After two years of systematic dismantling of the mechanisms of the Ohrid Agreement, now there is an attempt to dismantle its remembrance as well. This is a regression that must not be normalized," the party said.

Vredi rejects monopoly claim, promises legal steps

Vredi, a coalition partner of the government, pushed back sharply, saying the Ohrid Framework Agreement is not the property of one party but a historic achievement of Albanians. The party accused DUI of long using the agreement as political capital and said it will pursue legal guarantees for fair representation and genuine decentralisation.

"In the name of this agreement and of the sacrifice behind it, people obsessed with armchairs and power appeared, people petrified by power. In its name millionaires emerged, family businesses rose and a system was built that served a small number of people. The Ohrid Agreement is not DUI's deed of ownership. It is not the property of Ali Ahmeti, nor a family inheritance of his clique. It is a historic achievement of the Albanians. This story will no longer pass. The government should not mention the Ohrid Agreement only when an anniversary comes. For us, it is an obligation for concrete action," said Driton Sulejmani of Vredi.

The dispute has broadened after DUI leader Ali Ahmeti suggested in a TV 21 appearance that early parliamentary elections are the best way to reset the political climate and prevent further deterioration. Vredi answered that the party is ready for an electoral showdown and confident of victory, but stressed it prefers to complete the mandate and deliver on promises made to voters.

Political commentators say the exchange exposes growing tensions inside the Albanian political camp and raises questions about the governing coalition's stability in the run‑up to the next electoral cycle.

Photo: press material from the event