Hristijan Mickoski, the leader of VMRO-DPMNE and the future Prime Minister of North Macedonia, reiterated today that official communication between state institutions will use the constitutional name, “North Macedonia.” However, he stated that he will personally refer to the country as “Macedonia” in his statements.
“Whatever is part of the Prespa Agreement, including the name, the future VMRO-DPMNE government will respect it. For example, in the certificates certifying the term of office of our MPs, we use the specified name ‘North Macedonia.’ Even the bill we tabled today adheres to this. However, my human right, guaranteed by many conventions, includes the freedom of speech and expression. I don’t criticize politicians who omit the full name of their country. To me, my homeland is Macedonia and will remain Macedonia in every statement. The overall institutional communication that is governed by laws and the Constitution will be respected as long as they apply. One cannot demand adherence to laws and be hypocritical by saying otherwise. In my statements, however, the name of my country will be Macedonia,” said Hristijan Mickoski at a press conference regarding the bill submitted by his party to create three additional ministries in the upcoming government.
Mickoski also noted that he would uphold this stance at the NATO Summit if the issue arises. “I will also emphasize our desire to build bridges of friendship and cooperation with our southern, eastern, northern, and western neighbors. The Macedonian people are peaceful and hospitable, and we seek cooperation and friendship. I expect our neighbors to reciprocate this attitude. I do not intend to behave like the Taliban, nor do I expect any politician to do so in the 21st century. We can discuss, not only at the NATO Summit but also in other forums, what and how much has been implemented regarding the Prespa Agreement,” added Mickoski.
Furthermore, Mickoski claimed that “the hysteria created in Greece and transferred here is due to their own election campaign.”
Finally, Hristijan Mickoski announced that he will receive the mandate to form a government from President Gordana Siljanovska tomorrow, following the parliamentary elections held on May 8, which were won by VMRO-DPMNE.
Source: ANA-MPA, Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
