Albanians in North Macedonia – Time to Break the Chains of Injustice and Holdh a Historic Referendum
Editorial by Flamur Buçpapaj
Albanians in North Macedonia live in an unjust and imposed reality. This state, built on the foundations of Tito’s former Yugoslavia, is an artificial creation designed to keep Albanians isolated and powerless. For decades, pro-Slavic governments have systematically ignored and oppressed them, leaving them to exist on the political, economic, and cultural margins.
In every Albanian city, the situation is the same: destroyed roads, deteriorating schools, under-equipped hospitals, and nonexistent factories. Unemployment is high, young people are forced to emigrate, and communities are disintegrating. This is no accident – it is the result of deliberate policies by pro-Slavic governments, aimed at keeping Albanians poor, hopeless, and unable to decide their own fate.
Artificial State and Tito’s Legacy
North Macedonia is a political construct created by Tito and his successors, a state where borders do not reflect ethnic reality. Albanians have been forced to live in a system that ignores, discriminates against, and excludes them from decision-making.
This is an unjust historical legacy: Albanians have always had fewer rights, less representation, and fewer opportunities. For decades, every effort to seek equality has been sabotaged by pro-Slavic state structures, which have no interest in the development of Albanian areas.
Economic Marginalization – A Deliberate Injustice
One of the main reasons Albanians should move toward a referendum is the lack of economic development and investment. Destroyed roads, unusable schools, under-equipped hospitals, closed factories – this is the reality that Macedonian governments have deliberately created to keep Albanians marginalized.
Albania represents the only real opportunity to build roads, schools, hospitals, and factories. Only real investments from Albania can bring tangible change to the lives of Albanians.
Suppressed National Identity
Albanians have preserved their language and culture, yet the state has never supported them. Cultural institutions are limited, the media does not serve the Albanian community, and schools do not provide comprehensive education in the Albanian language.
Union with Albania is not just a political matter – it is the right to identity, culture, and equal education. This step would guarantee recognition and respect for Albanians and open the path for youth and communities to develop sustainably.
Pro-Slavic Governments and Systematic Ignorance
Albanians are ignored at every level. Minority rights laws are often only partially implemented, while pro-Slavic governments treat every request for equality and investment as a “national threat.”
This systematic neglect has created a large gap between words and actions. Albanians can no longer wait for justice within this system – it is time to act.
Social and Economic Inequalities
Young people are leaving, abandoning Albanian villages and cities.
Farmers and local businesses receive no support, creating poverty and insecurity.
Schools and cultural institutions are weak, limiting children’s and youth’s development.
Investments from pro-Slavic governments are minimal or negligible, leaving Albanians on the periphery.
This gap between words and action has left Albanians feeling oppressed and powerless.
The Referendum – A Chance for Albanian Liberation
A referendum is not merely a political option – it is the last instrument for justice and development:
Politically, it challenges pro-Slavic governments and reevaluates relations with Albania and the international community.
Economically, investments from Albania would bring roads, schools, hospitals, and factories, creating radical change.
Socially, it opens opportunities for youth, farmers, and entrepreneurs, restoring hope and prospects for communities.
The referendum is the chance for Albanians to break the chains of the artificial state and decide their own fate.
Call for Action and Investment
Albanians can no longer wait. Investments from Albania are essential: roads, schools, hospitals, factories – everything that will give Albanians real development opportunities.
Every minute without action is a lost minute. Pro-Slavic governments keep Albanians on the periphery, leaving them to live in poverty and isolation.
Dramatic Conclusion
Albanians in North Macedonia live in an unjust reality: political marginalization, economic inequality, lack of investment, and cultural oppression. A referendum is not just politics – it is liberation from injustice, an opportunity for development, and affirmation of national identity.
The time for action is now. Albania must intervene, invest, and ensure a fair future. For Albanians, this referendum is not a debate – it is historic justice, economic salvation, and affirmation of national dignity.
It is time for Albanians to break the chains of the artificial state, decide their own fate, and secure the future for generations to come. Now or never!
This will become reality when we come to power soon.
