Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, reacted to the protest of Albanian students in North Macedonia, emphasizing that the use of one’s mother tongue is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution and the Law on the Use of Languages.
In a post on X, Hoxha underlined that the issue should be treated with institutional seriousness, calling for sustainable solutions.
“I have closely followed the concerns expressed and the fair and legitimate request of Albanian students in North Macedonia to take their exam in the Albanian language.
The use of the mother tongue is a fundamental right, guaranteed by the Constitution of North Macedonia and the Law on the Use of Languages, which cannot and must not be restricted or delayed by any procedure. If procedures prove to be insufficient or unclear, it is an institutional obligation to find fair and sustainable solutions.
This is an issue that requires a measured and responsible approach, far from any attempts at politicization. It must be addressed with institutional seriousness and in the spirit of respecting fundamental rights.
Democracies not only have the mechanisms, but also the necessary maturity to find solutions where the rule of law, legislation, and citizens’ rights are harmonized,” he said.
Hoxha also praised the civic engagement of the students and the democratic way in which they expressed their demands.
“Students deserve recognition for their civic engagement and the democratic manner in which they have articulated their request. This requires a response of the same standard of responsibility, through constructive dialogue and solutions that fully respect guaranteed rights.”
The post Albanian students’ protest in North Macedonia, Minister Hoxha: Use of mother tongue is a fundamental right appeared first on Euronews Albania.
