Protests were staged in Skopje by students from the University of Shkodër, the University of Tetovo, and the University of Macedonia, concerning the dismissal of Igor Fillkov, Minister of Justice. Fillkov announced his intention to retire from the legal profession while remaining an Albanian citizen. The students are demanding Fillkov’s reinstatement and the revocation of his dismissal.
They argue that the decision threatens the legal profession’s accessibility for Albanian citizens and professionals. Protesters stated their intention to continue demonstrations until 2026. Concerns were raised regarding the role of non-Albanian professionals within the legal system and the perceived decline of the Albanian language.
The students voiced concerns about the language’s status as a “dead language” and its suitability for professional use. The protests highlight ongoing debates about legal representation and language preservation within the region.
