VMRO-DPMNE Accused of Attempting to Circumvent Law on Languages Through New Legal Solution
The VMRO-DPMNE party’s statement regarding the government’s search for a “legal solution” for the bar (jurisprudence) exam has triggered renewed political debate in North Macedonia.
According to critics, the initiative is being presented as aligned with the Constitution and recommendations from the Venice Commission, but is seen by opposition actors as an attempt to bypass the Law on the Use of Languages.
The discussion has intensified political tensions over how language legislation is applied in practice.
Dispute Over Legal Harmonization and Article 23 of the Language Law
At the center of the controversy is Article 23 of the Law on the Use of Languages, which stipulates that all other laws must be harmonized within 12 months of its entry into force.
Political actors defending the law argue that this provision already provides a clear legal framework, eliminating the need for additional or alternative solutions.
They maintain that existing legislation is sufficient and only requires consistent implementation by institutions.
Concerns Over “Parallel Solutions” and Selective Application of Language Rights
Critics of the proposed approach argue that creating parallel legal mechanisms outside the framework of Article 23 could weaken the law’s universal application.
They warn that such moves could lead to selective enforcement, limiting the scope of language rights in state institutions.
The debate reflects long-standing sensitivities surrounding the status and use of the Albanian language in public administration and judicial processes.
BDI Reaffirms Position on Protection of Law on Languages in North Macedonia
The Democratic Union for Integration (BDI) has strongly opposed any interpretation that would subordinate the Law on the Use of Languages to other legal acts.
Party representatives argue that any deviation from full harmonization would undermine constitutional guarantees and the legal integrity of the language framework.
BDI maintains that compliance with the law is not a matter of political discretion but a legal obligation.
Political Tensions Continue Over Institutional Implementation of Language Legislation
The ongoing dispute highlights persistent disagreements between political parties in North Macedonia over the implementation of language rights legislation.
While some parties emphasize constitutional compliance and legal interpretations, others insist on strict enforcement of existing provisions without reinterpretation.
The issue remains a key point of political contention in the country’s broader institutional and ethnic relations framework.