Macedonian association asks that Pustec municipal website be published in Macedonian
Ilinden Macedonian Association in Tirana formally asked Pustec authorities to add a Macedonian-language version of the municipal website.
On 5 August 2026 the Ilinden Macedonian Association in Tirana submitted an official request to the mayor of Pustec Municipality, the president of the municipal council and the local councilors, asking that the municipality's official website be published in Macedonian in addition to Albanian.
The association bases its demand on the Law on the Protection of National Minorities in the Republic of Albania, which it says guarantees minority rights including the use of their language when communicating with local government bodies in areas where they have traditionally lived.
Arguments and expected effects
In its letter Ilinden argues that adding a Macedonian-language version of the municipal website would improve citizens' access to public information and enable more effective communication with local institutions. The association describes the change as a practical exercise of the language rights enjoyed by the Macedonian minority.
Ilinden also says the move would strengthen institutional transparency, show respect for linguistic and cultural diversity, and help ensure consistent implementation of national and international standards for minority protection.
The request was also forwarded to the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination and to the People's Advocate of the Republic of Albania. The association says it expects the competent authorities to examine the petition and take steps to make the Pustec Municipality website available in Macedonian.
Photo: press material from the event
