North Macedonia’s Constitutional Court has postponed a highly anticipated session to assess the controversial Language Law, which expands the use of Albanian. The session, now set for an unspecified date, is expected to stir further political tension.
The delay came after Judge Elizabeta Dukovska, in charge of the case, proposed pushing back the session. But Judge Dobrilla Kacarska disagreed, saying it’s the court’s responsibility to make the final call.
The Language Law has sparked fierce debate. Critics argue it could affect national unity, while supporters say it’s a necessary step for minority rights. Albanian language use is highlighted in Article 2 of the law.
Judge Fatmir Skënderi had suggested postponing the session by two weeks to ensure the two Albanian judges were present, but the proposal was shot down. The session started without the two judges, Osman Kadriu and Naser Ajdari, who boycotted the proceedings.
Their boycott is a move to block the law, referencing a ruling from 2022-2023 that requires unanimous participation for decisions involving the Language Law, the Prespa Agreement, and the Electronic Communications Law.
Izet Mexhiti, North Macedonia’s first Deputy Prime Minister from the VLEN party, supported the boycott, saying any decision without the Albanian judges wouldn’t be legitimate.
