Flaka Analysis: Danella Arsovska vs. the Political Castes

The Mayor of Skopje, Danella Arsovska, is engaged in an unprecedented battle with the political parties and leaders who once supported her. What lies behind her conflicts with VMRO-DPMNE, Visar Ganiu, and Izet Mexhiti? A deep analysis by Flaka of the confrontations that have shaken the capital in recent days.

Arsovska’s battles are not merely personal or institutional—they reflect a fragmented and polarized political reality, where every attempt at administrative independence meets fierce resistance from entrenched structures of party power. Her case illustrates the difficulty of exercising real authority in an environment where political coalitions are temporary and group interests often override the public good.

The 2021 Local Elections: A Shocking Victory

In the 2021 local elections, Danella Arsovska delivered one of the biggest political surprises in North Macedonia by winning the post of Mayor of Skopje. Running as an independent candidate with strong support from VMRO-DPMNE and the right-wing opposition, she defeated SDSM’s candidate Petre Shilegov, delivering a major blow to the then-ruling coalition, which included DUI. Her victory was perceived as a civic revolt against the political establishment and a hope for a new approach to managing the capital.

Broken Alliance with VMRO-DPMNE

Although Arsovska won the mayoral race with the direct support of VMRO-DPMNE, cracks in their alliance quickly surfaced. Her dismissal of the director of the Public Enterprise “Water Supply and Sewerage,” followed by VMRO-aligned mayors boycotting City Council sessions, marked the beginning of a serious rift. Arsovska openly criticized the party that brought her to power, accusing it of political pressure and deliberate sabotage of city projects.

Harsh Mutual Accusations

VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski accused the mayor of blocking five major city projects, including schools and kindergartens. In a public statement, Arsovska claimed she had received direct threats from Mickoski:

“When I become Prime Minister, we’ll drag you through the streets, we’ll wipe the floor with you.”

Clashes with Visar Ganiu

Tensions escalated with the Albanian political camp as well. Visar Ganiu, mayor of the Čair Municipality, staged a symbolic protest by dumping garbage in front of Skopje’s City Hall—accusing Arsovska of neglecting public cleanliness in Čair.

In response, Arsovska accused Ganiu of illegal construction, publishing documents to discredit his administration and alleging legal violations and manipulations in property legalization procedures in his municipality.

Confrontation and Legal Threats

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environment, Izet Mexhiti, also entered the fray, accusing Arsovska of defamation and orchestrated political attacks aimed at discrediting him and the Democratic Movement. He announced legal action against her, calling her a “new tool of DUI to destabilize the state.”

Arsovska did not remain silent. She accused Mexhiti of illegal construction and fictitious legalizations in the Čair municipality, suggesting he serves specific group interests rather than those of citizens. She claimed Mexhiti “promotes others’ projects while being deeply involved in legal violations.”

Dirty Politics and the Challenge of Independence

Arsovska’s case highlights the severe challenges independent politicians face in the Balkans, particularly in environments where traditional parties dominate not just political power but also control over institutions and public enterprises.

From her alliance with VMRO-DPMNE to her fiery clashes with Ganiu and Mexhiti, Arsovska has positioned herself as a figure challenging the political caste. But the consequences have been steep—boycotts, blocked decisions, and public tension that have directly affected life in Skopje.

Decision Not to Run Again

In November 2024, Arsovska announced she would not seek a second term in the 2025 local elections. She cited lack of cooperation, extreme political polarization, and systematic obstruction as her main reasons.

Will Skopje Change or Fall Back into Old Hands?

The central question now is: was Danella Arsovska an exception that proves the rule, or will her case inspire a new political model that challenges the old guard?

Regardless of the answer, her clashes with VMRO-DPMNE and Albanian leaders like Ganiu and Mexhiti have left a mark on Skopje’s political history—as a time of turbulence, but also as an attempt to change the system from within. Flaka