North Macedonia political disputes over demographics and school closures

Political tensions are rising in North Macedonia regarding demographic shifts and the management of ethnic Albanian rights and education.

In Struga, municipal councilors have defended the decision to consolidate four peripheral schools in the villages of Zhepin, Poum, Bogovicë, and Nerez. The decision follows data showing extremely low enrollment, with only ten students remaining across twenty classes. Councilors attributed the decline to rural depopulation and a lack of previous investment in these areas, noting that students in Zhepin could be moved to a nearby school in Koroshisht just 900 meters away.

Separately, Zejd Rexhepi, leader of Lëvizja Populli, has criticized the government for failing to protect the rights and language of the Albanian community. Rexhepi highlighted demographic statistics, noting that while the government calls for higher birth rates, only 17 of the country's 80 municipalities show positive natural growth. He argued that the current administration is neglecting the specific demographic needs and rights of the Albanian population.