Skopje, 11 December 2024 (MIA) - The Constitutional Court of North Macedonia decided Wednesday to hold a preparatory session for the discussion of the constitutionality and legality of the Law on the Use of Languages.

Reporting judge Elizabeta Dukovska proposed that the Court hold a preparatory session which received the support of the majority of the judges present, with the exception of judge Dobrila Kacarska who said there have been sufficient preparations.

The judges who supported Dukovska’s proposal highlighted the importance of a preparatory session to demonstrate that “rule of law and constitutionality should be defended in the Court and not in the streets”. They called for patience and trust in the institutions and underscored that the decision will help dismiss allegations of politicization.

The decision means the Court will hear expert opinion and arguments on the issue before it proceeds with a ruling.

Judges Osman Kadriu and Naser Ajdari were absent from the session, which prompted Judge Fatmir Skenderi to propose that the discussion on the item is postponed due to their absence. The rest of the judges dismissed his proposal, after which he too decided not to participate in the discussion.

The Constitutional Court is composed of nine judges: six ethnic Macedonians, two Albanians and one Turk. 

The languages law case, comprised of 13 initiatives by individuals, political parties and associations, was formed in 2019. It became topical this autumn following remarks by the Venice Commission. Complaints disputing the legislation were filed by the parties VMRO-DPMNE and Levica, World Macedonian Congress association, and professors Solza Grcheva, Tanja Karakamisheva Jovanovska and Jove Kekenovski.

Photo: MIA