Skopje, 11 December 2024 (MIA) — Macedonia is strongest when it listens to all its citizens, in all languages, SDSM MP and former Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Fatmir Bytyqi wrote on social media ahead of the Constitutional Court's debate on motions related to the Law on the Use of Languages.

"An unusual conversation of our society with itself, with diversity, begins at the Constitutional Court, which can be a dialogue as an inclusive process or a monologue as an act of exclusion," Bytyqi wrote.

He said the topic of debate was "the cohesion of society." He added that "the courtroom has become an arena of conflict between history and our vision for the future."

"We are aware this is not just about the law or the Constitution. It is also about what kind of country we want to be," Bytyqi noted.

He also said "Macedonia is a homeland for all and is not just a territory, but a story of common life and shared challenges, for better or worse."

According to Bytyqi, "language is a symbol of our spirit, our dignity and our freedom."

"With respect to the Macedonian language, I, as an Albanian, accept its meaning and value for the Macedonian people. I also accept the wisdom of Krste Misirkov, who said, 'A person giving up his national language gives up both the national spirit and himself.' These words inspire me to add that the same truth applies to all languages ​​in this country, regardless of the language we speak – Macedonian, Albanian or any other," Bytyqi wrote.

He added that if "using the Albanian language is in question, I am aware that maybe tomorrow someone will try to silence my voice." 

"But language is more than words – it is our identity, our right to be who we are and our belief in equality," he wrote. mr/