Izet Medzhiti says coalition relations are not damaged after Brvenica runoff

Izet Medzhiti said the working relationship inside the ruling coalition remains intact despite recent tensions following the second round of extraordinary mayoral elections in Brvenica, when VMRO-DPMNE labelled a coalition partner a "Trojan horse" over support from Vlen.

Medzhiti: focus on governance, not disputes

Speaking after the runoff, Medzhiti stressed that he meets regularly with Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and that occasional differences of view are handled within government structures.

"We have regular meetings with Prime Minister Mickoski. We are part of the Government, but we are also partners. We do not always think the same and there are moments when our opinions and positions diverge. Nevertheless, the Government has the democratic capacity to resolve these issues internally and move forward. We are focused on solutions, not elections," he said, identified as the current mayor of Čair.

Medzhiti framed the disagreement as a normal aspect of coalition work rather than a rupture, saying the cabinet's internal mechanisms allow disputes to be discussed and settled without public escalation.

The statement came amid criticism from VMRO-DPMNE, which referred to the coalition partner as a "Trojan horse" after expressing dissatisfaction with support from Vlen in the Brvenica vote. Medzhiti did not expand on plans for any formal talks beyond his regular meetings with the prime minister.

His comments keep attention on efforts by coalition members to manage internal differences while maintaining a working majority and continuing the government's agenda.

Photo: press material from the event