The Albanian political bloc VREDI, which brings together the main Albanian parties in Macedonia, transformed itself on May 9, 2026 in Skopje from a coalition into a single political party. The congress drew around 850 delegates, with guests ranging from Prime Minister Dimitar Mickoski to Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti.

The new party's structure features a co-chairmanship: Izet Medžiti (mayor of Čair) and Bilal Kasami (mayor of Tetovo) take the leadership positions. First Deputy Bekim Sali spelled out the logic: "European integration has no alternative. This is a process that demands credible institutions, accountability and consistent work in the interest of citizens."

Kurti, at the congress, did not miss the symbolism of the date: May 9, Europe Day. "Powerful symbolism," he said, invoking the EU values of peace, democracy and anti-fascism. Representatives came in from Albania and from Preševo, turning the congress from a Macedonian event into a regional showcase of Albanian political consensus.

Five resolutions were adopted, with particular emphasis on 40% women's representation in decision-making bodies, youth provisions, and decentralization. On paper, that is a modern European programme. The question - as with every party programme in Macedonia - is whether any of it survives contact with the day-to-day, or stays printed in glossy brochures.

Why now? Organisationally, more parties under one roof means less internal competition for votes and bigger leverage inside the government. Politically, this is a signal to Brussels that the Albanian factor is professionalising itself, positioning as a partner who can deliver stability in EU talks. A Balkan reader knows that every "united party" comes packaged with both new strength and new internal tensions. This one is no exception - the cracks just are not visible yet.