Mickoski: Government will continue to support Vlach language, cultural events and literature

Today is May 23, the day we celebrate the Vlach community as an inextricably part of the Macedonian statehood. The day we not only recognize, but we also promise: that we will never forget the value the Vlachs have for this country, Prime Minister Christian Mickoski said tonight on the celebration of the National Vlach Day.

He expressed respect and gratitude to the community that, as he said, has been part of the heart of this country for centuries, which with its endurance, diligence and love for the homeland has left an indelible mark on our history, culture and identity.

– The history of the Vlachs in Macedonia is a history of dignity. History of people who, and when the most difficult, did not withdraw. History of people who have always worked – for their family, their community, and for Macedonia. We must not forget the role of the Vlachs in the proclamation of the Krushevo Republic. We must not mention the struggle for freedom without saying the name Pitu Guli. We must not ignore the enormous contribution of Vlach intellectuals, artists, educators. Today, they are present in science, art, medicine, law, education. Thanks for everything you have invested in this country. Thanks for what, in times of change, the crises, the injustice, you did not give up. You stayed and continued- with dignity, with patience, with love- emphasized Mickoski in MNT.

Prime Minister Mickoski said that the Vlachs with their perseverance are an example of how identity is kept without closing the heart.

– We live in a time of difficulty. A time when the economy is struggling with global pressures. When social justice still does not reach every family. When young people often look for a chance in someone else’s. When distrust, divisions, disappointments clarify the tissue of our society. But it is at such times that the power of a nation is shown. It turns out who we are – not by names, but by character. Not after declarations, but by works. Vlachs, with their perseverance, are an example of how identity is kept without closing the heart. An example of how Macedonia is loved without forgetting its uniqueness. An example of how to live in unity, not in partition. It is time all together – Macedonians, Albanians, Turks, Roma, Serbs, Vlachs and Bosniaks – to take the next step. To create a society that not only speaks of equality but lives it. To create a state in which every citizen – regardless of language, religion or ethnicity, will feel its own – said Mickoski.

He said that the government would continue to support the Vlach language, support cultural events and literature.

– Vlachs have been living with others for centuries – not besides, but together. It’s a school for coexistence. It’s a model we all need today. And therefore, as a government, we say clearly: we will continue to support Vlach language teaching, help cultural events and literature and invest in young Vlachs- their education, their ideas- said the prime minister.

He emphasized that the Vlachs are an integral part of this society and added that every language is a bridge, and every tradition of wealth.

– Let’s fight together for together life and joint victories. Vlachs are an integral part of this society. Your voice is needed. Your story is a common story. Your customs are our cultural heritage. Every language is a bridge. Every tradition is wealth. And we know and feel that today, looking at both the Macedonian and Vlach flags – not one opposite, but by one another. This is Macedonia we love! So today from this place I send a message to everyone: Let’s not let them separate us! Let us not forget who we are and what we are. Let us not allow a single citizen, no young man, to feel like someone else in his own country. Young Vlachs – your place is here. Your ideas, your dreams, your energy – and how we need it. Help us build Macedonia that will remain, not only for us- but for future generations- emphasized Mickoski.