Albanian political parties demand language equality in Macedonia
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 7 January 2017 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Albanian political parties demand language equality in Macedonia, 7 January 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5975a4034.html [accessed 30 October 2019] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
January 07, 2017
The Albanian parties say they'll consider joining a coalition government but only if their language is given the same language protection as Macedonian.
Macedonia's main ethnic Albanian political parties have demanded more say in the country's political affairs, including changing the constitution to make Albanian an official language.
The three Albanian minority parties made the demand amid negotiations to form a new coalition government following last month's parliamentary elections.
The ruling VMRO-DPMNE party won 51 seats in the 120-member parliament, but not enough for an outright victory. The opposition Social Democrats netted 49.
The Albanian parties say they'll consider joining a coalition government but only if their language is given the same language protection as Macedonian.
Ethnic Albanians make up about 25 percent of the population.
With reporting by RFE/RL's Balkan Service and AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
