FEBRUARY 13, 2025 — The possibility of changing the national emblem has sparked political debate in North Macedonia, raising questions about whether it could also lead to modifications in the country’s flag and anthem, reports the Free Press.
The proposal, initially raised by Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and the VLEN coalition, seeks to replace symbols associated with the previous socio-political system.
Bilal Kasami, a leader within VLEN, stated that the coalition supports broader constitutional changes that would “reflect the current reality of the state.” He emphasized that any discussion on the national emblem should be part of a larger package of reforms.
A high-ranking government official from VLEN confirmed that discussions are underway regarding the emblem and the anthem.
“The emblem and anthem are remnants of communism… These topics are being discussed, but our priority remains the implementation of the government program, including EU integration, rule of law, economic development, and decentralization,” the official stated.
Despite these discussions, the opposition Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM) has expressed strong opposition to any change in the national emblem.
Party leader Venko Filipche argued that the current design appropriately reflects the region’s historical and heraldic traditions. “There is a clear continuity with the anti-fascist struggle and the National Liberation War. There is no ethnic division within the emblem, and we will oppose any attempt to change it through all democratic means,” Filipche said.
He also raised concerns that the initiative might extend beyond the emblem and include the national anthem.
Within the ruling coalition, perspectives vary. The ZNAM party has not yet taken a stance on the issue, stating that they have not been consulted. Meanwhile, the opposition Democratic Union for Integration (DUI) supports a broader constitutional amendment package that would address the emblem, anthem, and national flag.
A senior DUI official suggested that ethnic Macedonians should have their own national flag, distinct from the state flag, to ensure wider acceptance of national symbols.
The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has proposed that the Balkan lynx, a species native to the region, be featured on a revised emblem.
“The lynx is a recognizable symbol of our country. It appears on our five-denar coin, our national football jersey, and other places. This change would reflect a forward-looking vision rather than a return to the past,” an LDP statement read.
While discussions continue, Mickoski acknowledged that the matter has been raised within the governing coalition. “We have opened this question. We are one of the last post-socialist countries still using the old national emblem with minor modifications,” he stated.
However, whether the conversation will extend to the national flag remains uncertain.
Image: METOKARA, CC BY-SA 3.0
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