Law on languages in Parliament next Monday

The Law on Use of Languages is expected to be on the Parliament’s agenda next Monday.

Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi held Monday a meeting with coordinators of MP groups, less VMRO-DPMNE.

The opposition party urged the Government to withdraw the law, deeming it unconstitutional.

“We ask for the formation of working groups incorporating representatives of all MP groups and experts, who will discuss the need of adopting such a law and the removal of the unconstitutional elements in the law on languages,” said VMRO-DPMNE secretary-general Igor Janusev at today’s press conference.

The Government later said the Law on the Use of Languages complies with the Constitution, was passed in a democratic parliamentary procedure, adding the bill is in the interest of all citizens and within the concept of one society for all.

“VMRO-DPMNE had the opportunity to take part in the process of passing this law in the Parliament, but refused to do this, thus demonstrating political irresponsibility. Taking into account that President Ivanov failed to sign the decree, the Law on Use of Languages will again be discussed in the Parliament and VMRO-DPMNE will again have the opportunity to intervene through amendments,” reads the Government press release.

The law was passed on 11 January but President Gjorge Ivanov did not sign the decree, meaning that Parliament Speaker Talax Xhaferi is obliged to put it for repeated plenary debate by February 11