Alexis Tsipras congratulates North Macedonia’s Zoran Zaev on election victory

·

Greece’s main opposition leader Alexis Tsipras congratulated North Macedonia’s Zoran Zaev for his electoral win yesterday, describing it as a “message of brave progressive forces” against nationalism.

“Thanks to your efforts, the message of brave progressive forces that fight against nationalism, for social justice and peace in our region, became stronger today. A message not just for the Balkans, but for all of Europe,” he said on his official Twitter account.

The pro-western Social Democrats leader secured victory by a mere 10,000 votes. With 94% of ballots counted the Social Democrats had received 36%, less than two percentage points ahead of its close rival.

Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev takes a selfie with his Greek counterpart Alexis Tsipras before their meeting on April 2, 2019. Robert Atanasovski – AFP/Getty Images

“You are winners, be proud. Progress has won,” Zaev told supporters, who were surrounded by party officials wearing protective masks.

The 45-year-old leader promised to impose policies to fast-track the country’s EU accession hopes. This was also the first election since the nation agreed to change its name, adding a geographical qualifier of “north” to Macedonia, in an attempt to satisfy Greek demands.

Zaev had been the architect of the Prespa accord struck with Athens’ leftist Syriza government two years ago, which ended the naming dispute.

“Zaev managed to win the elections despite changing the name of the country,” said Eva Ellereit, the resident representative of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung German political foundation. “Voters clearly want to see what he can put together now and how he can continue the pro-European reform agenda.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

‘Compassion, community and purpose’ define the 2025 Jenny Souris Foundation Gala

The Jenny Souris Foundation Gala returned on Wednesday, 15 October 2025, with heart and purpose, drawing around 300 guests.

Thousands attend inaugural Brunswick Greek Festival

Thousands of people attended the Brunswick Greek Festival which was organised and run by the St Eleftherios Albion Street Brunswick parish.

St John’s church in Carlton hosts annual celebration for Patron Saint of police officers

The annual celebration of Saint Artemios’ feast day is one of the key events on the Victoria Hellenic Police Association (VHPA) calendar.

Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Loverdos strengthens ties in Adelaide visit

Greece's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Greeks Abroad, Ioannis Loverdos, is visiting Adelaide, South Australia.

Ex-Collingwood captain sues former manager Jason Sourasis for $3 million

Former Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury has filed a $3 million lawsuit against his former manager and long-time friend Jason Sourasis.

You May Also Like

Israel honours Greek pair with ‘Righteous Among the Nations’ medal

Israeli Ambassador to Greece, Noam Katz, awarded the “Righteous among the Nations” medal posthumously to Thomas and Antonis Kyriakis.

Governor-General the first Australian state leader to visit Greece in over 25 years

The Governor-General of Australia, David Hurley, will be the first Australian state leader to visit Greece in over 25 years.

Greek Australian construction company and director lose licence after worker death in NSW

NSW Fair Trading has cancelled the contractor licence and permanently disqualified GN Residential Construction Pty Ltd.