North Macedonia's New President Sparks Controversy Over Name Dispute

Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova's inaugural remarks reignite tensions with Greece and Bulgaria, affecting EU accession prospects.

President Siljanovska-Davkova's use of 'Macedonia' instead of 'North Macedonia' has drawn sharp criticism from Greece and Bulgaria.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis condemned the remarks as 'illegal and unacceptable.'
The European Commission and Bulgarian officials insist North Macedonia adhere to international agreements.
Siljanovska-Davkova's nationalist party VMRO-DPMNE won recent presidential and parliamentary elections.
The name dispute has been a longstanding barrier to North Macedonia's EU and NATO integration efforts.