ASH: Dimitrievski wields greater influence in the government despite having fewer lawmakers

The Alliance for Albanians considers the dissatisfaction of Albanian students justified following the proposal by Justice Minister Jeton Shasivari that the 12 theoretical exams be held in Albanian, while the two practical exams would be conducted only in Macedonian.

ASH stresses that its position has not changed: the bar examination must be organized entirely in Albanian, in accordance with the rights established by the Constitution and the Law on the Use of Languages.

According to the party, while students await a solution, Minister Shasivari has proposed a partial option and warned that the matter could be referred to the Venice Commission. ASH considers it unacceptable for the issue to be postponed any further, after two generations of waiting.

ASH says that Maksim Dimitrievski, leader of ZNAM and a partner in the governing coalition, has described the Macedonian language as a red line for his party and stated that he would not allow the bar examination to be held in Albanian. In the party’s view, Dimitrievski’s position, together with VLEN’s lack of determination, demonstrates the balance of power within the government.

“ZNAM, although represented by fewer lawmakers, manages to set conditions and publicly defend its positions. Meanwhile, VLEN, despite having greater parliamentary weight, continues to seek compromises even on issues it had presented to citizens as key promises. How is it possible for Dimitrievski, with fewer lawmakers, to have more influence in the government than all of VLEN’s representatives combined?” ASH said.

They recall that VLEN had promised that the bar examination and professional exams would be held in Albanian. However, after more than two years in power, students are being offered a partial solution, while the coalition’s Macedonian partners are setting red lines and warning that they will not back down.

“This situation raises serious doubts about VLEN’s actual influence over the government decision-making process. If a partner with fewer lawmakers can impose its positions, then why is VLEN unable to secure the fulfillment of such an important demand for Albanian students? After two generations of waiting and more than two years of government, students deserve a final answer,” ASH representatives declared.

The Alliance for Albanians calls on VLEN to take responsibility for its promises and demonstrate that it has the necessary influence to fulfill them. The party expresses its full support for the students’ demand and calls on Minister Shasivari and VLEN representatives to withdraw the current proposal and immediately take the necessary steps to ensure that the bar examination is held entirely in Albanian.

“Dimitrievski has defined ZNAM’s red lines. It is now time for VLEN to show whether it has the political courage to defend the rights of Albanians with the same determination,” ASH said.