The modification of North Macedonia’s national anthem and coat of arms has sparked widespread debate in the capital.
Albanians are demanding symbolic representation, while Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski has emphasized that national symbols should be cleansed of communist elements.
This issue was raised by Prime Minister Mickoski himself, who has initiated discussions with his Albanian coalition partner, VLEN.”We have opened this topic because I believe we are one of the two post-communist states that still have the old coat of arms with minor modifications. There was an agreement between VMRO-DPMNE and DUI during Nikola Gruevski’s government,” said Hristijan Mickoski, Prime Minister of North Macedonia.
One of the main arguments of Albanian parties for changing the anthem and coat of arms is the lack of representation of Albanians in national symbols. Political analyst Petar Arsovski argues that the anthem and coat of arms should foster a sense of belonging for all citizens regardless of ethnicity.”A monoethnic coat of arms would not be suitable for North Macedonia, as national symbols should reflect the multicultural character of the state. A more universal version would help increase citizens’ patriotism toward these symbols,” said Petar Arsovski.
Leaders of Albanian parties propose that the changes should also include removing the constitutional definition of the Albanian language as the “20% language” and adopting a national anthem without lyrics, only instrumental music.
The current anthem, composed during World War II, focuses on the struggle of Macedonians against foreign occupiers. Albanians have contested it for lacking references to their role in the country’s history.
At present, there is no clear consensus on the new format of national symbols. VMRO-DPMNE and Albanian parties support the changes, while President Gordana Siljanovska and the opposition LSDM are against it, arguing that such modifications could undermine national tradition and history.