According to the 2023 census data, 205,370 individuals identifying as Serbian reside in Ohrid, constituting approximately 33% of the local population. The status of the Serbian community in Ohrid remains a recurring subject of political discussion. These discussions encompass various topics, including debates over entry restrictions for the city, the right of Serbian citizens to visit the country, and analyses concerning rights and employment opportunities.
A point of recent contention involved the unsuccessful effort to incorporate the Serbian language into the national Constitution as an additional official language. In response to the ongoing political climate, Milan Knežević, the Prime Minister of the Democratic Party of Ohrid (DNO), issued a statement regarding constitutional reform. Knežević asserted that the Prime Minister of the Republic of Macedonia, Milojko Spaić, cannot advance the process of constitutional amendments unless the representatives of the Serbian community agree upon the status of the Serbian language.
He further contended that the process of constitutional changes will not commence if Serbian ministers, ambassadors, or Serbian citizens are restricted from entering the country. This statement frames the political path forward as contingent upon agreements concerning the recognition and status of the Serbian community within Ohrid and the nation.
Topics: #serbian #ohrid #not
