Constitutional Law at North Macedonia
North Macedonia’s Constitution, adopted on November 17, 1991, serves as the supreme law of the Republic of North Macedonia. It outlines the country's system of government, fundamental rights, and institutional structures. Since its adoption, the Constitution has undergone several amendments to address evolving political, social, and international dynamics.
🇲🇰 Key Features of the Constitution
1. Republican Form of Government
Article 1 establishes North Macedonia as a sovereign, independent, democratic, and social state. Sovereignty resides with the citizens, who exercise their authority through elected representatives, referenda, and other forms of direct expression.
2. Fundamental Rights and Freedoms
The Constitution guarantees a broad range of human rights, including:
Freedom of conscience, thought, and public expression
Freedom of political association and activity
Protection from discrimination based on sex, race, religion, or national, social, or political affiliation
Right to a fair trial and legal protection
Freedom of assembly and peaceful protest
Protection of private and family life
3. Official Languages
Macedonian is the official language, written using the Cyrillic alphabet. In units of local self-government where at least 20% of the population speaks another language, that language and its alphabet are also official. Citizens have the right to use any official language to communicate with government bodies, which must respond in that language in addition to Macedonian.
4. Separation of Powers
Executive: The President, elected for a five-year term, serves as the head of state. The President's powers include representing the country internationally, commanding the armed forces, and appointing the Prime Minister.
Legislature: The Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia is a unicameral body responsible for enacting laws, approving the budget, ratifying international agreements, and overseeing the executive branch.
Judiciary: The judiciary is independent, with the Constitutional Court serving as the highest authority on constitutional matters. The court has the power to review laws, protect individual rights, and resolve conflicts among state institutions.
5. Decentralization and Local Government
The Constitution provides for a system of local self-government, allowing municipalities to exercise certain powers independently. This decentralization aims to promote local democracy and efficient administration.
🔄 Constitutional Amendments
1. 2001 Ohrid Agreement
In response to ethnic tensions, the Ohrid Framework Agreement was signed in 2001, leading to constitutional amendments that granted greater rights to the country's ethnic Albanian population. These amendments enhanced the use of the Albanian language and increased representation in state institutions.
2. 2018 Prespa Agreement
A landmark amendment occurred in 2018 following the Prespa Agreement with Greece, which resolved a long-standing dispute over the country's name. In exchange for Greece lifting its objections to North Macedonia's NATO and EU membership, the country agreed to change its name from the "Republic of Macedonia" to the "Republic of North Macedonia." This required a constitutional amendment, which was approved by the Assembly in December 2018 and finalized in January 2019.
3. Ongoing EU Integration Efforts
As part of its bid to join the European Union, North Macedonia has been engaged in discussions to amend its Constitution further. These proposed changes include recognizing a Bulgarian minority, which is a condition set by Bulgaria for supporting North Macedonia's EU accession. The Parliament has initiated the process, but the amendments require a two-thirds majority to pass, and opposition parties have expressed resistance.
📘 Accessing the Constitution
The full text of the Constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia, including all amendments
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