A discussion in the Parliament of North Macedonia regarding flags has gone viral on social media. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski asked DUI (Democratic Union for Integration) MP Riad Shaqiri to wear the Macedonian state flag alongside the Albanian flag pin he had previously worn on his jacket during parliamentary sessions.
According to Mickoski, Shaqiri should also wear the Macedonian flag since he is paid by the citizens of North Macedonia.
“I hope that next time you come to work in the Parliament of North Macedonia, alongside the Albanian flag — the ethnicity to which you belong — you will also wear the Macedonian one, because you receive your salary from this state and from these citizens,” he said.
After taking the floor, Shaqiri stated that he is proud to be Albanian and explained that the Albanian flag pin was a gift from Albania’s Prime Minister, Edi Rama. He added that if Mickoski were to gift him a Macedonian flag, he would wear it on his jacket.
“It was given to me by the Prime Minister of Albania. When you give it to me, I will wear it,” he said.
Following this exchange, Mickoski presented Shaqiri with a North Macedonian flag inside the chamber. Shaqiri thanked him and then placed the flag on his jacket.
The incident has sparked public reactions, reopening debate over state symbolism and identity representation within the country’s institutions.