Kosovo PM comments on Albanian language rights in North Macedonia spark criticism

The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, addressed concerns regarding the status of the Albanian language in North Macedonia. Speaking at a joint conference with North Macedonia’s Prime Minister, Hristijan Mickoski, Kurti downplayed the exclusivity of Albanian language rights, emphasizing that the existing law governs the use of all languages spoken by at least 20% of the population, not specifically Albanian.

He explained, “There has never been a specific law for the Albanian language. The law references ‘languages spoken by 20% of the population,’ and it now falls on the Constitutional Court of North Macedonia to review the relevant provisions.”

Why is this important: Kurti’s surprising remarks came amidst rising tensions over potential rollbacks to language rights in North Macedonia. They mark a departure from the long held position of Albania, Kosovo and the Albanian factor in North Macedonia. They fly in the face of reality – these rights are enshrined in the Law on the use of languages – and grant legitimacy to the attack on Albanian rights by the nationalist VMRO-DPMNE government in Skopje. The country’s Constitutional Court is deliberating on key provisions of the Language Law, with fears that changes could erode the rights of Albanians, who represent roughly 30% of the population. The Ohrid Agreement, which ended the 2001 conflict, established these rights, and their erosion could threaten regional stability.

Reactions: Kurti’s comments drew swift backlash from Albanian politicians. Kreshnik Bekteshi of the Democratic Union for Integration (BDI) publicly corrected Kurti, posting the law’s first article, which explicitly mentions the Albanian language as official. He accused Kurti of spreading misinformation. Daut Haradinaj, a prominent opposition figure from Kosovo, also criticized Kurti’s declaration. “Kurti, who distrusts Kosovo’s Constitutional Court, now places his faith in North Macedonia’s Constitutional Court,” Haradinaj remarked, emphasizing that Kurti’s response was hypocritical and inadequate given the stakes for the Albanian community in North Macedonia.

Context: North Macedonia’s nationalist VMRO-DPMNE, has a fraught history with the Albanian factor in North Macedonia. Since assuming power, their administration has been accused of undermining the Ohrid Agreement’s achievements. Despite playing the nationalist card, Kurti has supported Albanian allies within the current North Macedonian government, a position starkly contrasting with that of Albania and North Macedonia’s largest Albanian party, BDI which has been instrumental in securing gains for the Albanian factor in North Macedonia.

Ali Ahmeti, the BDI leader who led the uprising of the Albanians in 2001, has warned of severe consequences if language and representation rights are rolled back. His appeal to international leaders highlights the risk of destabilizing the hard-won peace in North Macedonia. Albania’s Speaker of Parliament, Elisa Spiropali, has also underscored the importance of preserving Albanian rights, linking them to North Macedonia’s EU integration prospects.