Speaker of the Albanian Parliament, Elisa Spiropali, has issued a strong condemnation following an incident in Kumanovo, North Macedonia, where a basketball match was marred by offensive and exclusionary chants against Albanians.
Calling the episode “unacceptable,” Spiropali emphasized that it serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing need to build a just, inclusive, and respectful society.
“Hate speech that fuels violence and ethnic division has no place—neither in sports nor in any public space,” she declared.
In her statement, Spiropali praised the response of North Macedonia’s institutions but urged higher-level officials to take an even firmer public stance. She underscored that interethnic coexistence is a core European value that must be preserved and cultivated through concrete actions, principled positions, and leadership by example.
“The way we behave in stadiums, in stands, and in institutions speaks volumes about our vision for the future,” she said, reaffirming Albania’s commitment to promoting a model of peaceful coexistence, far from outdated divisions.
