The founding assembly of the political organization VLEN was held in Tetovë, where its co-leaders presented a political and developmental overview of their two-year participation in government.
Co-chair Bilall Kasami described the unification of five political entities into a single structure as a historic step toward strengthening Albanian political representation and improving institutional influence.
He argued that the two-year governance period has produced tangible results across several sectors, claiming that more progress has been achieved in this timeframe than in previous decades. These statements reflect a political narrative and should be understood within a partisan context rather than as independently verified assessments.
Kasami highlighted several key developments, including the adoption of a law on fair and adequate representation, the possibility of taking the bar exam in the Albanian language, recognition of madrasa diplomas, and progress on major infrastructure projects such as Corridor VIII and the Skopje–Blace road. He also pointed to the implementation of the One Stop Shop system with Kosovo and Albania, alongside investments in healthcare and education facilities in Tetovo and Kičevo.
He further emphasized policies targeting the relocation of gambling facilities away from residential areas, presenting this as part of a broader shift toward practical governance and implementation-focused politics.
Mexhiti: Investments in Education, Healthcare, and Infrastructure
Co-chair Izet Mexhiti also addressed the assembly, presenting a detailed overview of ongoing investments in Albanian-majority areas.
He noted over €40 million invested in the campus of the “Mother Teresa” University in Skopje, as well as around €20 million allocated for the final phase of Skanderbeg Square in Skopje. In healthcare, €74 million is being directed toward Tetovo Hospital.
According to Mexhiti, more than €200 million has been allocated to the Skopje–Blace highway, a strategic corridor linking North Macedonia with Kosovo and expected to strengthen regional economic ties. Additionally, around €100 million is being invested in Albanian-majority municipalities for local infrastructure, schools, kindergartens, and essential public services.
He linked these investments to the idea of responsible political representation, arguing that decentralization allows municipalities to better define and manage their own development priorities, resulting in more efficient and citizen-oriented governance.
Political Narrative and Expectations
The speeches at VLEN’s founding assembly in Tetovo reflected a strong political message focused on governance achievements and developmental progress. However, many of the comparative claims made by the speakers should be interpreted as political statements rather than independently verified historical evaluations.
Overall, the event marked an organizational milestone for VLEN, reinforcing its ambition to consolidate its role in the Albanian political landscape of North Macedonia.