Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis criticized the President of North Macedonia, Gordana Siljanovska, for using the name Macedonia instead of Republic of North Macedonia during her swearing-in, violating the Prespa Agreement. Mitsotakis called it illegal and unacceptable, stating it undermines the country’s future. He urged Siljanovska to adhere to her lawful duties and warned against similar actions in the future. Mitsotakis emphasized that progress in bilateral relations and North Macedonia’s European path depend on honoring agreements and avoiding provocations.
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Mrs. Siljanovska actions elicited strong reactions not only from Athens but also from the EU, as the Prespa Agreement is crucial for North Macedonia’s EU integration. The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that further progress in bilateral relations and North Macedonia’s European path hinge on full implementation of the Prespa Agreement and the use of its constitutional name. EU leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel, expressed regret and disappointment over Siljanovska’s actions, stressing the importance of upholding legally binding agreements like the Prespa Agreement with Greece.
