Macedonia: Thousands protest in Skopje over naming dispute June 2

Event

Thousands of supporters of the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization - Democratic Party for Macedonian National Unity (VMRO-DPMNE) protested in Skopje on Saturday, June 2, demanding that Macedonian officials not compromise with Greece in a long-standing dispute over the country's name. VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski reportedly asserted during Saturday's protest that the party would not support "any change of the constitution with an aim to change our name." The protesters also reportedly demanded that the government hold early elections due to the country's struggling economy. Additional related protests are possible in Skopje and other Macedonian cities in the coming days. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are expected near protest sites.

Context

The naming dispute between the two countries has been ongoing for decades. On May 30, Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said that he and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras had agreed on principles for a compromise deal. According to Greek and Macedonian officials, the new name is expected to contain the word "Macedonia" which will likely be opposed by residents in Greece's Macedonia region.

Advice

Individuals in Macedonia are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, and avoid discussing sensitive political topics in public.