Hundreds of students from the South East European University and the University of Tetovo protested in Skopje on April 6, 2026, opposing the decision not to hold the jurisprudence exam in the Albanian language. They are demanding the implementation of the Law on the Use of Languages and respect for the Constitution of North Macedonia, where Albanian is an official language.

The protest began at 12:30 at the Stone Bridge, where students gathered holding signs reading “Respect the Law on Languages” and “STOP Institutional Discrimination.” They then marched toward the Ministry of Justice chanting “We want justice” “Exam in Albanian is a guaranteed right” “Justice, equality, there is no state without youth” and “We speak Albanian” while also carrying Albanian national flags.

A day before the protest, on April 5, student representative Kaltrina Bytyqi stated that the demonstration goes beyond a simple march, describing it as part of a broader and long-standing effort for equality. She emphasized that students are not only protesting for themselves, but for a fundamental right that ensures equal treatment, adding that language and identity are not negotiable.

Despite the demands, the Ministry of Justice has refused to allow the exam in Albanian, arguing that Macedonian remains the primary language in legal procedures. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski had previously stated that if there are requests for the exam to be held in Albanian, it should be permitted, noting that the law on languages is clear.

At the same time, the Ombudsman has opened a case to review the implementation of the Law on the Use of Languages and the actions of the Ministry of Justice regarding the organization of the jurisprudence exam. Authorities have yet to issue an official response to the situation.