12 Sep 2018 | 01:07 PM UTC
Greece: Protest over name dispute in Thessaloniki September 15
Demonstration scheduled for September 15 in Thessaloniki over proposed Macedonia name change
Event
The Macedonian Steering Committee in Thessaloniki called for a demonstration to take place on Saturday, September 15, in Thessaloniki (Central Macedonia region). The gathering will be held beginning
at 19:00 (local time) near the Ioannis Vellidis Conference Center. Protesters are requesting that Opposition New Democracy party leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis abolish the agreement made between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to change the latter's name. Disruptions affecting street traffic and other means of transportation are expected.
Context
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev agreed on June 12 to rename the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to the Republic of North Macedonia. The deal will be subject to a referendum in Macedonia on September 30. The move has spurred protests in both countries and further demonstrations are expected in the coming weeks.
Advice
Individuals in Thessaloniki are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, and avoid discussing sensitive political topics in public.
