# Tetovo street naming process controversy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tetovo-street-naming-process-controversy
> Updated: 2026-08-31T11:42:45.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

The street naming process in Tetovo has entered its final stages after years of delays. The Commission for Street Naming has approved 222 names, with over 100 more awaiting approval before the list is submitted to the Municipal Council and the Government. Commission chairman Albi Qamili stated the goal is to provide a “legal conclusion to this long-standing issue without compromising the representation of any community.”

The process has encountered political and social opposition. While the Albanian Union has criticized the selection process and requested the inclusion of specific political figures, the Association of Fighters has protested the proposal on more severe grounds. The Association accuses the municipal working group of attempting to “rehabilitate fascist figures” by using inaccurate or incomplete biographies for 219 proposed names. Specifically, they disputed the biography of Yusuf Rexhepi, alleging his involvement with the Italian fascist counter-intelligence service and the fascist Albanian battalion Ljuboten.

In response to these allegations, working group member Olivera Gičenko stated that the commission conducts a vetting process to ensure that accepted names “do not oppose the constitutional order of the Republic of Macedonia.”

## Claims

- The Tetovo Municipality Council formed a working group to name and rename streets. (single source)
- The working group has adopted 219 proposed street names in Tetovo. (single source)
- The working group is providing inaccurate or incomplete biographies for proposed street names. (single source)
- Yusuf Rexhepi was involved in the Italian fascist counter-intelligence service (OVRA) at age 17. (single source)
- Yusuf Rexhepi joined the fascist Albanian battalion Ljuboten as a junior officer in 1943. (single source)
- Working group member Olivera Gičenko stated that the group only accepts names that do not oppose the constitutional order of North Macedonia. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Tetovo fighters protest street renaming proposal

The Association of Fighters in Tetovo is protesting a municipal proposal to rename streets, alleging the working group is attempting to rehabilitate fascist figures through inaccurate biographies.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tetovo-fighters-protest-street-renaming-proposal

### 2026-08-16: Tetovo advances long-delayed street naming process

Tetovo is finalizing a long-delayed street naming process, with 222 names approved so far, though political disputes remain over specific candidates for the remaining list.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tetovo-advances-long-delayed-street-naming-process

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Cite as: Tetovo street naming process controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tetovo-street-naming-process-controversy