North Macedonia faces school closures amid demographic decline

North Macedonia is facing a significant demographic decline as the new school year begins with a sharp drop in student enrollment. Data shows that approximately 3,000 fewer children have enrolled in the first grade compared to last year, with total first-grade enrollment falling to roughly 14,900 from 17,900 in the previous period.

The decline has resulted in 433 fewer school classes and the temporary closure of 26 rural or underpopulated school facilities. Minister of Education and Science Vesna Janevska addressed the issue during a visit to a school in Butel, noting that the shrinking population threatens the long-term viability of the educational infrastructure. She urged families to consider having more children to prevent further school closures.

Opposition leader Venko Filipce criticized the government's policies, attributing the decline to economic instability, rising living costs, and emigration. He argued that citizens are seeking futures abroad due to a lack of effective support for young families and insufficient economic progress.