Gazi Baba mayor proposes Monday anthem in primary schools; decision not yet official

Boban Stefkovski, the mayor of Gazi Baba from VMRO-DPMNE, announced that primary schools in the municipality will begin classes every Monday with the singing of the national anthem, a measure he described as intended to teach children to love Macedonia.

Stefkovski wrote: “The anthem is not just a song. It is a symbol of our freedom, statehood, history and the sacrifice of the generations who fought for an independent Macedonia. Through education we build children's knowledge and future, but at the same time we teach them to respect their homeland, their national symbols and the values that unite us.”

According to the most recent census figures cited by the municipality, Gazi Baba has 69,626 residents: 65% identify as ethnic Macedonians, just over 20% as Albanians, and 15% belong to other communities. The municipality includes several schools where the majority of pupils are Albanian, and it is not yet clear whether the measure would be applied in every school because a formal decision has not been issued.

Background and political reactions

The idea of intoning the national anthem in schools is not new. In 2023, while VMRO-DPMNE was in opposition, party leader Hristijan Mickoski encouraged a similar initiative for municipalities nationwide; at that time Aerodrom, Gazi Baba and Butel decided to introduce the anthem in schools.

The initiative faced opposition from Albanian political actors, including the opposition grouping that later joined under the VLEN umbrella. Bilal Kasami, then president of Movement Besa and of the Municipality of Tetovo, argued that the state anthem does not represent the country's multiethnic character and that in municipalities with an Albanian majority the Albanian anthem should be sung.

The position is reflected in VLEN’s election programme, which pledges that the use of the Albanian national anthem, coat of arms and flag in schools and institutions will enjoy equal legal rights with those of the Macedonians. For now, Gazi Baba municipal officials say a final, formal decision is still pending.

Photo: press material from the event