Similar Ideologies, Different Trajectories: Contrasting Paths of Berisha's and Gruevski's Parties

In the upcoming general elections, VMRO-DPMNE, the party associated with North Macedonia's former Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, stands poised for victory despite Gruevski's placement in the U.S. Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List. In a stark contrast to the Albanian opposition's disintegration following similar sanctions on its leader, Sali Berisha, North Macedonia's main opposition, now led by Hristijan Mickoski, has managed to strengthen its position.

Following Gruevski's U.S. sanctions, corruption sentencing, and subsequent escape to Hungary, Mickoski successfully maintained party unity by distancing himself from the former leader. Despite public speculations about the formality of Mickoski's stance, he effectively replaced the entire leadership of VMRO-DPMNE, contrasting sharply with the turmoil in the Albanian Democratic Party when Berisha faced similar sanctions and expulsion.

While Gruevski's removal in North Macedonia did not lead to conflicts or a decline in party significance, Berisha's expulsion from Albania’s Democratic Party prompted internal strife. Taking on his former party, Berisha established a new opposition faction, using an anti-American narrative to undermine the Albanian opposition. In contrast, Mickoski's strategic leadership in North Macedonia prevented a similar fate for VMRO-DPMNE.

Nevertheless, Gruevski's influence on VMRO-DPMNE persists, with notable members openly supporting him. Antoni Milloshoski, a former minister in Gruevski's government, remains an outspoken supporter of Gruevski. However, their loyalty has not dismantled the traditional nationalist party, as they believe unity against political opponents better serves Gruevski's cause.

In Albania, the scenario differs as Berisha's supporters harbour greater animosity towards the current party leader than the government. The Democratic Party's disintegration is fuelled by internal strife focused on personal interests rather than political opponents.

The commonality of anti-Western rhetoric between Albania's Democratic Party and North Macedonia's VMRO-DPMNE takes different forms. In North Macedonia, VMRO-DPMNE strengthened its anti-West trajectory by rejecting constitutional changes and EU-aligned reforms, appealing to Slav nationalism with ideological ties to Russia. Conversely, in Albania, Berisha's anti-West stance diminished his political significance, leading to factional divisions within the opposition.

This significant contrast highlights the divergence in trajectories between Gruevski's VMRO-DPMNE and Berisha's Democratic Party, despite their ideological similarities. While the Democratic Party in Albania faces disintegration by clinging to its historic leader, VMRO-DPMNE in North Macedonia strengthens its position, potentially even safeguarding its former leader.

Original article: https://www.gazetatema.net/editorial/parti-e-berishes-dhe-gruevskit-dy-parti-te-ngjashme-me-fat-te-ndryshem-i425220