Skopje, 16 March 2023 (MIA) - Justice Minister Krenar Lloga signed Thursday the decision denying the use of name Ivan Mihajlov for the namesake Bitola-based association. The decision comes after the Commission on the Use of Names issued a negative opinion on the use of the name Ivan Mihajlov.

Minister Loga signed the decision while taking into account the negative opinion by the Commission, which said that naming any civic association after Ivan (Vanchoi) Mihajlov constitutes an insult and provocation of the national feelings of the Macedonian people, considering his public and continued denial of the Macedonian identity, language and culture. Glorification and celebration of his image and work causes intolerance and hatred in the Macedonian society, the Ministry of Justice said in a press release.

It adds that Article 9-a of the Law on Associations and Foundations stipulates that the Justice Minister gives consent on the use of a name, surname, pseudonym, nickname, abbreviation or initials of a figure upon receiving a positive opinion from the Commission.

Meanwhile, the Central Registry said it has decided to reject the application to rename association "Tsar Boris III" from Ohrid due to incomplete documentation submitted within the 30-day deadline.

According to the Law on Associations and Foundations, which was adopted in November 2022, the Bulgarian clubs are obliged to request a re-registration, otherwise they are at threat of being closed down.

The amendments of the Law on Associations and Foundations ban naming civil organizations, foundations and political parties after names, nicknames, pseudonyms of historical figures related to fascism, Nazism, genocide, Third Reich etc. The law has a retroactive effect and it also applies to already registered associations and foundations. According to the amendments, the associations and foundations that do not comply with the amendments will be deleted from the Registry following a decision by the Minister of Justice.