Gazi Baba Mayor proposes national anthem in elementary schools

Boban Stefkovski, the Mayor of Gazi Baba from the VMRO-DPMNE party, has announced a proposal to begin elementary school lessons every Monday with the playing of the national anthem. The initiative aims to educate children on patriotism and respect for national symbols, history, and the state.

In the Gazi Baba municipality, which has a population of approximately 69,626—including 65% Macedonians and over 20% Albanians—the decision faces potential ethnic tension. While the official decision has not yet been formally released, the proposal has reignited a debate regarding multi-ethnicity in schools.

Previously, similar initiatives in other municipalities were met with opposition from Albanian political figures, such as Bilall Kasami of the Besa Movement. Critics argue that the current national anthem does not represent the country's multi-ethnic reality and have suggested that Albanian anthems should be played in municipalities with Albanian majorities to respect cultural and ethnic diversity.