Ignoring the Albanian anthem during Mickoski’s visit to Pustec, mayor: We did not organize it

Today, the Macedonian Folklore Festival was held in the Municipality of Pustec, attended by North Macedonia’s Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski. During the ceremony, only the anthem of North Macedonia was played, while the Albanian anthem was not.

Pustec Mayor Pali Kolefski apologized for the situation, explaining that the Municipality of Pustec was not the organizer of the event, but merely an invited guest.

“To tell you the truth, before this event took place, I asked the organizers—specifically, the chairman of the VMRO association in Albania—for the official program. I was told that there would be traditional Macedonian songs and dances and that the event would open with the Macedonian anthem.

I asked them to ensure that, when the Macedonian anthem was played, the Albanian anthem would also be played, because that is how it should happen at every official reception or ceremony. We are Albanian citizens, we live here, and the anthem must be respected,” Kolefski said.