North Macedonia swears in PM amid tensions with EU neighbors
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North Macedonia's new prime minister, Hristijan Mickoski, began his first day in office on Monday following a late-night parliamentary vote.
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Hristijan Mickoski, center, the leader of the center-right VMRO-DPMNE party and prime minister-designate, walks in during a session in the parliament building in Skopje, North Macedonia, late on June 23, 2024. (AP)
North Macedonia's new Prime Minister, Hristijan Mickoski, began his tenure on Monday after a late-night parliamentary vote, a move that could potentially lead the country into conflicts with EU neighbors Greece and Bulgaria.
The tough rhetoric and nationalist stance of Mickoski's VMRO-DPMNE party resonated with voters frustrated by the slow pace of EU integration, leading to their victory over the more conciliatory center-left coalition government in May's national elections.
The new president, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, immediately stirred tensions by referring to the country as "Macedonia" rather than "North Macedonia," prompting a strong reaction from Athens.
Mickoski and leaders of the VMRO-DPMNE party have consistently rejected the use of North Macedonia's new name. In 2019, the Balkan nation added "North" to its title to resolve a longstanding dispute with Greece. This historic agreement not only facilitated NATO membership but also aimed to open doors for EU accession.
Despite these efforts, North Macedonia's path to EU membership has been obstructed by neighboring Bulgaria. Bulgaria insists that Skopje amend its constitution to recognize the Bulgarian minority within its borders.
During his inaugural address, Mickoski reaffirmed his commitment to "European integration" and officially used the country's designated name while taking the oath of office, adding, "We continue to stand together with our partners from the EU."
The 46-year-old former engineering professor, who became North Macedonia's 13th prime minister since its independence in 1991, declared his refusal to yield to Bulgaria's demands.
"While I am a prime minister, there will be no constitutional changes," said Mickoski.
Mickoski will begin his term with a 24-member cabinet and a strong parliamentary majority, as his coalition secures 78 out of the 120 seats in the legislature.
