# Albanian-language school closures in North Macedonia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/albanian-language-school-closures-in-north-macedonia
> Updated: 2026-08-31T19:51:40.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 3.

Controversy has emerged in North Macedonia regarding the closure of Albanian-language educational programs in different municipalities.

In Butel Municipality, the Petar Zdravkovski-Penko primary school decided to close an Albanian-language parallel class for first-grade students. The school director stated the reorganization followed Ministry of Education and Science guidelines due to insufficient student numbers. However, local political figures and parents have alleged discrimination, noting that Macedonian and Turkish language classes with fewer students remained active.

Mayor Darko Kostovski announced a selective solution reached with the Ministry of Education, stating that students from other municipalities, such as Čair, may only be admitted if they have a sibling already enrolled. Kostovski maintained this measure is intended to ensure quality education and is not ethnically motivated. Political representatives from BDI, AKI, and VLEN have criticized the move, with BDI describing the condition as ‘discriminatory, illegal, and conditional.’ AKI and VLEN representatives walked out of a municipal session in protest, claiming the mayor treated the closure as a ‘fait accompli.’ Teachers have also raised concerns regarding double standards in class size requirements.

In Struga, the municipal council voted to close several Albanian-language schools in the peripheral areas of Bogovicë, Pohum, Zhepin, and Nerez. Ziadin Sela, Chairman of the Albanian League, condemned the decision, accusing councilors of acting against the Albanian language and its educational heritage. Sela invoked the legacy of the Albanian National Renaissance to highlight the cultural significance of the schools.

## Claims

- Ziadin Sela criticized municipal councilors in Struga for voting to close Albanian schools. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Municipality of Struga decided to close four peripheral schools. (single source)
- The schools targeted for closure are located in Bogovicë, Pohum, Zhepin, and Nerez. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Struga council decision to close Albanian schools sparks condemnation

Ziadin Sela, head of the Albanian League, condemned Struga municipal councilors for voting to close Albanian-language schools in Bogovicë, Pohum, Zhepin, and Nerez.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/struga-council-decision-to-close-albanian-schools-sparks-condemnation

### 2026-08-31: Butel Municipality faces dispute over Albanian-language school class closure

The closure of an Albanian-language class at Butel's Penko primary school has triggered political protests and walkouts, with officials debating selective enrollment rules for ethnic Albanian students.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/butel-municipality-faces-dispute-over-albanian-language-school-class-closure

### 2026-08-27: Butel primary school faces backlash over closing Albanian language class

The Petar Zdravkovski-Penko primary school in Butel is facing backlash after closing an Albanian-language class, sparking allegations of ethnic discrimination and political pressure.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/petar-zdravkovski-penko-school-closes-albanian-language-class

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Cite as: Albanian-language school closures in North Macedonia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/albanian-language-school-closures-in-north-macedonia