North Macedonia independence concert sparks allegations of Albanian exclusion

The opposition party Alliance for Albanians has accused the North Macedonian government of discrimination following a state concert in Kumanovo celebrating the 35th anniversary of independence. Despite Albanians making up approximately 40 percent of Kumanovo's population, no Albanian artists performed at the event.

The Alliance for Albanians stated that the exclusion of Albanian performers raises serious questions regarding representation and power-sharing, particularly since the VLEN party is currently part of the government as a representative of the Albanian community. The party argued that a state manifestation intended to symbolize coexistence should not entirely exclude the country's second-largest ethnic community.

Further criticism was directed at a government video clip marking the independence anniversary, which was reportedly not translated into Albanian and lacked Albanian cultural elements. While the government has not responded to inquiries regarding the exclusion of the Albanian language and community in these celebrations, the opposition maintains that Albanians should not be treated as second-class citizens in state events.