The leader of the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI), Ali Ahmeti, reacted through an open letter on social media regarding recent developments in North Macedonia, emphasizing that the issue of the Albanian language cannot be put into question.
In his message, Ahmeti underlined that a stable state is built on equality, respect, and political agreements, highlighting the Ohrid Framework Agreement as the foundation of coexistence in the country.
He stated that the Albanian language as an official language is a constitutional right and not a matter for negotiation, adding that linguistic equality strengthens the stability and functioning of the state rather than weakening it.
According to Ahmeti, any attempt to limit the use of Albanian undermines the constitutional order, trust among citizens, and the country’s future. He warned that restricting acquired rights represents a dangerous regression and may lead to tensions.
In his letter, the DUI leader also criticized certain approaches within the Constitutional Court, which he claims in some cases are influenced by ethnic logic rather than professional and constitutional standards.
Ahmeti emphasized that the main issue does not lie in the law on the use of languages, but in its lack of implementation by relevant institutions, calling for accountability and institutional will.
In conclusion, he reiterated that the country’s future is closely linked to equality, stating:
“There is no future without equality, and there is no equality without the Albanian language as an official language.”
Open Letter (excerpt – summarized translation)
“Stable states are built on clear principles, major political agreements, and mutual respect among citizens and the peoples that compose them. When these principles are upheld, the state moves forward; when they are relativized, unnecessary debates arise.
There are issues that should not be treated as daily political matters but with the maturity required by the state. One of these is the status of the Albanian language as an official language.
For me, equality has never been a slogan—it is a firm political and moral conviction. A state becomes strong not when one side feels superior, but when every citizen feels respected and represented with dignity. Language is not only a means of communication, but an expression of identity, dignity, and constitutional equality.
The Albanian language is not and will never be a matter of negotiation. The Ohrid Agreement is the foundation of this state, and questioning it means questioning the country’s future. Albanian is not a privilege, but a constitutional right.
Albanians in this country have never contested the Macedonian language or identity; on the contrary, they have consistently supported a shared, European, and Euro-Atlantic future. Equality has strengthened the state, not weakened it.
Linguistic equality is the pillar of coexistence. Peace and stability are built on real equality, not dominance. A state that does not speak to its citizens in their language is not an equal state.
Attempts to weaken the status of Albanian are not merely legal debates—they threaten the balance built through political wisdom and responsibility. Reducing language rights means reducing trust.
Institutional approaches, especially in the Constitutional Court, raise concerns that in sensitive issues, ethnic majoritarian logic prevails over constitutional standards. Institutions must be guardians of equality, not places where it is questioned.
International standards are minimum standards, not a ceiling for rights. A country aspiring to Europe should not reduce already achieved rights. The Albanian language is not a concession, but a reflection of the country’s multiethnic character.
There is no going back. Acquired rights are not negotiable. Any attempt to limit the use of Albanian is dangerous regression. These rights are also the result of a shared path with strategic partners such as the EU, the United States, and NATO.
I believe in a state that moves forward, where no one is treated as a second-class citizen, and where the Albanian language remains part of the constitutional order and the country’s European future.
We do not ask for more than we deserve, but we will not accept less. Equality is not an option—it is an obligation.
There is no future without equality,
no equality without dignity,
and no dignity without the Albanian language as an official language.
Whoever touches this principle touches the very foundation of the state.”
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