Skopje, 8 April 2026 (MIA) - International Romani Day is not just a symbol, it is a reminder that every society is measured by how well it recognizes, respects, and supports its people, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said at an event Wednesday marking April 8 – International Roma Day.

The PM stressed that the Roma community is an integral part of the country and society.

“The Roma community is part of our country not only formally, but meaningfully. It is part of our history, our culture, and our everyday life,” the Prime Minister said, adding that the presence of Roma is felt in education, workplaces, music, and tradition. 

Mickoski noted that despite the achieved progress, challenges remain that must not be ignored.

“There are challenges, there are differences we must not ignore, there are barriers we can no longer justify,” Mickoski stressed, underlining that April 8 is “a day of responsibility” not just of words.

The Prime Minister said the Government is actively working to improve the position of the Roma community through concrete policies. He stressed that integration is a matter of attitude and trust, not only of policy, and called for perseverance and unity.

Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi said the day serves as a reminder that diversity is the greatest wealth of a society. 

“This important day reminds us that diversity is our greatest treasure, and in this shared wealth the Roma community holds a special and valuable place with its culture, language, identity, and history,” the Speaker said.

Gashi pointed out that problems in education, employment, and representation require greater and systemic commitment, stressing the need for a more coordinated approach from all stakeholders. He also noted the fact that there is currently no Roma MP in Parliament.

Minister without portfolio Shaban Saliu, extending a greeting to Roma people worldwide, noting that International Roma Day is officially marked as a state holiday and a non-working day for the Roma community, which, he said, makes the country unique in the world.  

Saliu added that Roma in North Macedonia are the only ones in the world recognized as a constitutive people in the Preamble of the Constitution.

“The Roma in our country, Macedonia, are the only ones in the world included as a constitutive element in the Preamble of the Constitution, recognized as part of the Roma people, thanks to my engagement and that of the late MP Faik Abdi,” Saliu said. 

Despite achievements, Saliu also noted the situation of the Roma community remains difficult. As Minister without portfolio, he said that together with his office he is making efforts to address everyday challenges and implement the Strategy for Inclusion of Roma 2022–2030.  

Photo: MIA