SKOPJE, May 18 (BV)— Thousands of Albanian students, young people and citizens protested in North Macedonia’s capital on Monday, demanding the right to take the bar exam in Albanian and calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and Justice Minister Igor Filkov.
The protest began near the Stone Bridge and continued toward the Justice Ministry. Protesters carried Albanian national flags, sang the Albanian national anthem and chanted slogans in support of the Albanian language.
Students from Kosovo and Albania joined the rally, organizers said. Some groups from Albania and Kosovo reported delays at border crossings and toll points before reaching Skopje.
The protest followed Filkov’s statement earlier on Monday that the issue was closed and that the bar exam would not be held in Albanian.
Around 400 Albanian law graduates from three universities in North Macedonia are demanding the right to take the professional exam in Albanian, arguing that the law allows it.
Organizers said the protest was peaceful. Police detained three students during the rally, according to media reports.
Deputy Prime Minister Bekim Sali said in parliament that the bar exam would be available in Albanian, adding that the issue would be resolved through legal changes.
VLEN leader Izet Mexhiti said the ruling partners had agreed with Mickoski that the Albanian language issue in professional exams and licences would be resolved within three months.
Protest organizer Mevlan Ademi accused authorities of delaying students travelling from Tirana, Tetovo, Gostivar and Kumanovo. The Interior Ministry denied blocking vehicles or preventing entry into the country.
One of the most shared images from the protest showed a young boy in traditional Albanian clothing holding a placard reading: “Do not translate my future.”
Organizers warned of further protests unless the government implements the legal use of Albanian in professional exams and institutions.