The issue of the use and institutionalization of the Albanian language in North Macedonia has returned to the center of political and public debate, while old issues continue to remain unresolved.
Invited to News24, political scientist Naim Iliazi stated that the Albanian language in the country has historically been a complex issue and often accompanied by controversy when it comes to its institutionalization.
According to him, Albanians cannot change the negative attitudes that exist towards the Albanian language, but he stressed that it is necessary for it to become more present and audible in state institutions.
The debate has recently been reignited by Albanian students at the Faculty of Law, who for the second time have raised concerns about the lack of the opportunity to obtain a lawyer's license in Albanian. Iliazi stressed that the Ministry of Justice currently does not allow such a thing, creating a direct obstacle for young Albanian professionals.
He pointed out that similar problems have existed in the education sector, but have been resolved through concrete reforms. According to him, models and methods for solutions exist, but the political will to implement them is lacking.
"There are forms and methods, but there are no serious politicians to take the situation forward and guarantee the real implementation of the Albanian language in institutions," said Iliazi.
The issue of the Albanian language remains one of the most sensitive topics in interethnic relations in North Macedonia, constantly bringing back the discussion on the equality and institutional rights of Albanians in the country.
