Whenever I come here, I feel this unusual youthful energy; to me, you are rebels with a cause and I sometimes try to emulate you, playing a politician who still has something rebellious in her and will never forget the most beautiful part of her life,Macedonian President GordanaSiljanovska-Davkova told state university students at the official beginning of Ss. Cyril and Methodius University’s 2026-27 academic year.
“I still believe that politics can be reined in by the rule of law and that this strange world needs idealism. The rule of law, justice and ethics,” GordanaSiljanovska-Davkovasaid.
She encouraged students to cultivate their intellect and believe in the power of critical thinking.
“We have a heavy obligation to Saints Cyril and Methodius,”GordanaSiljanovska-Davkovasaid, highlighting the legacy of the scholars who gave the Slavic world its first written script. “Teachers have very often been and have become saints,” said.
The president said artificial intelligence should not sabotage natural thinking.
“Let’s not allow artificial intelligence to impair the natural mind, because to use artificial intelligence, you must have natural intelligence,” said the Macedonian head of state.
Urging students to actively demand their rights as well, Siljanovska-Davkova said they should strive for change and the university should champion change.