Macedonian President does not change position on Law on Languages


President Gjorge Ivanov remains on the already stated position on the Law on the Use of Languages and the signing of the decree for its promulgation, the President’s office confirmed for MIA.3

After the repeated vote on the bill on March 14, Ivanov in an address to the public said that he would not sign the decree for its promulgation saying that the Constitution and his conscience did not allow him to.

The Law on the Use of Languages was passed Wednesday in Parliament in a tense atmosphere by 64 votes in favor and none against or in abstention. The MPs did not debate any amendments to the bill. Twentyfour deputies from non-majority communities voted for the law.

The law, which had been first passed on January 11, was sent back to Parliament after Ivanov refused to sign it.