Public Revenue Directorate faces ethnic representation concerns

An internal recruitment process at the Public Revenue Directorate in North Macedonia has sparked concerns regarding ethnic representation. Out of 77 available positions in the latest competition, only 12 were filled by ethnic Albanians, while the remaining 65 positions were filled by members of the Macedonian community.

Internal sources suggest this is part of a broader trend; over the last three years, four to five internal competitions have reportedly resulted in Albanian representation of only 10 to 15 percent. The Public Revenue Directorate has denied these claims, stating that recruitment is based on transparent criteria and merit rather than ethnic affiliation.

Data from the Ombudsman for 2024 highlights a significant disparity in the institution's workforce. Of 946 employees, 70 percent (663) are Macedonians, while Albanians account for 25 percent (239). The disparity is even more pronounced in leadership roles, where Macedonians hold 61 positions compared to 9 held by Albanians. Additionally, the Skopje Regional Directorate is currently led by a Macedonian director and deputy director.