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.

greek film festival melbourne

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

The Greek Herald finalists lead the way in 2025 Greek International Women Awards

The Greek Herald’s own Dimitra Skalkos and Andriana Simos are finalists in the 2025 Greek International Women Awards.

Football Victoria honours South Melbourne FC legend Michalis Mandalis

The new Football Victoria Chair Angela Williams paid tribute to former footballer and long-time South Melbourne FC legend Michalis Mandalis.

Greek Orthodox community in Liverpool raises $20,000 for McGrath Foundation

The spirit of faith, community and compassion was on full display at the “Splash of Pink” charity afternoon tea.

WWII-era rifle used in Croydon Park shooting sparks firearm law debate

A WWII-era M1 Carbine rifle has become the focus of investigations into the Croydon Park shooting. Read more here.

PASOK intensifies pressure for reopening of GNTO Office in Melbourne

Pressure on Greece's Ministry of Tourism to reopen the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) Office in Melbourne is intensifying.

You May Also Like

Greece 2021: committee for bicentennial of Greek War of Independence in full force

The year 2021 marks the bicentennial of the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire, and the head of "Greece 2021" committee, Gianna...

Michael Kratsios sworn in as head of White House Office of Science and Technology Policy

Michael Kratsios has been officially sworn in as the new head of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).

Court hears new evidence into Darwin shooting rampage that killed Michael Sisois

Michael Sisois was one of four men killed in a shooting spree in 2019. His alleged killer believes Sisois tried to kill him two days earlier.