14 minutes agoMacedonian Parliament Approves Albanian-language Bill
Periskopi(9 years ago)
(9 years ago)The Macedonian Parliament has initially adopted the bill for expanding the official use of Albanian language throughout the country. In the first reading, lawmakers voted 66 to 41 in favour of the bill, aimed at facilitating communication of the Albanian community in Macedonia, with institutions, municipalities, hospitals, courts. Before the vote, the lawmaker, Ilija Dimovski, from the party [...]
In the first reading, lawmakers voted 66 to 41 in favour of the bill, aimed at facilitating communication of the Albanian community in Macedonia, with institutions, municipalities, hospitals, courts.
Before the vote, lawmaker Ilija Dimovski, by opposition party V MRO- The DPMNE has described the text as unconstitutional and discriminated against the Macedonian language and other languages.
The proposed bill must pass more readings on legislation before being sent to President Gjorge Ivanov for signing.
Prime Minister Zoran Zaev has pledged this law when he formed the coalition with Albanian parties.
Such action has sparked criticism from the V MRO DPMNE and others, who have accused Zaev of betraying Macedonia's national interests.
The current law on languages defines the Albanian language as an official language, but it holds this status only in countries where the Albanian community makes up over 20 per cent of the population.
Albanians make up a quarter of Macedonia's population, with 2.1 million people, most of whom live southwest, near the border with Kosovo and Albania.
