As long as the leadership of Skopje insists on “chalimii” with the invocation of the term “Macedonia”, the Greek government appears determined to draw a hard line, signalling to its neighbour that, on these terms, the road to Europe remains closed. In the government, they observe the “entrapment” of the new leadership in Skopje, with the acting Prime Minister Mitskoski and the new President Siljanovská talking about “Macedonia”, but not mentioning it in official documents and websites, in order not to be officially accused of withdrawing from the terms of the Prespa Agreement.
It is obvious that the tension with the northern neighbour does not satisfy Athens because of the reopening of an issue that seemed to be settled. Even, of course, if this marks the vindication of the criticisms that the Southwestern party has been making of the durability of the Prespa Agreement.
On the other hand, two weeks before the European elections, there was no way Mitsotakis could not adopt a stern rhetoric on an issue that, especially in Northern Greece, is almost tautological.
At the same time, the government is turning a “problematic” point during the previous four years, the ratification of the memoranda stemming from the Agreement, into a political lever of pressure on the neighbour, signalling that they will not be ratified as long as the provocations continue.
A new New Democracy campaign spot for the European elections of 9 June.
It should be noted that, according to diplomatic sources, the pressure from Athens, which days ago brought an immediate reaction from Europe and the first orbital shots towards Skopje, has led the Mitskoski-Silianovska “duo” to juggle between the national audience and international obligations.
“Cleaning up” in NATO
In any case, Athens’ assessment is that the “shenanigans” in Skopje cannot last much longer, while already, according to the same sources, the pressure exerted by Washington is strong. In a few weeks from now, of course, the ‘lies will be over’, as at the NATO summit to be held in Washington, the neighbouring country will have to present itself with its constitutional name and pursue a policy based on it.
In fact, the NATO Summit will be the first “coincidence” between Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Hristijan Mickoski, once he has officially taken office, as the two men have not even had a formal congratulatory conversation since VMRO’s election victory a few weeks ago.
Greek diplomatic sources say, however, that there are enough “means” to make North Macedonia understand that it cannot “play around” with the Prespa Agreement, which go as far as “warning” indirect sanctions from the US side. Until that happens, however, the background is on fire.
Mitsotakis from Chios: Political stability is the stake of the European elections
Geopolitical challenges and Europe:
In this environment, ND released yesterday another spot on the road to the European elections, focusing on the geopolitical challenges that our country will face in the coming period, in a changing Europe. The central figure in this spot is Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who is the protagonist of the blue campaign.
“10 years ago our position in Europe was in danger. Today everything has changed. The Greek borders became in practice EU borders, with hard work we secured more resources for our country. Our voice carries weight and prestige in Brussels,” Mitsotakis said. “In the coming years, important decisions will be taken here.
Immigration, agricultural policy, common defence. In a difficult world of wars and threats, we must consolidate the country’s armour but also claim greater prosperity for all. Strength in Europe means strength in Greece. That is why the European elections are so important. On 9 June, together we are taking another step forward. And we are moving steadily closer to Europe.”
