Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski of North Macedonia has reignited a heated debate over the country’s designation as “North Macedonia” during his visit to the United States for President Donald Trump’s inauguration. His comments have provoked a strong response from the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), which views the issue as definitively resolved under the 2018 Prespa Agreement.

Reopening an Old Wound

During a speech at a church in Totowa, New Jersey, Mickoski stated, “We need to start winning in Washington, Brussels, Berlin, London, Paris, Rome if we want the Macedonian issue to finally arrive at its conclusion. Our issue is not settled. It’s been smoldering for centuries and it still exists,” according to Republika media.

The remarks have been widely interpreted as a challenge to the Prespa Agreement, which resolved the longstanding dispute between Greece and North Macedonia by adding “North” to the country’s official name.

The Greek MFA issued a strongly worded statement condemning Mickoski’s comments. “The Prime Minister of North Macedonia’s remarks constitute a provocation against Greece, as they attempt to bring back to the forefront an issue that has been definitively and irrevocably resolved. Further progress in bilateral relations and North Macedonia’s European trajectory depend on full respect for the Prespa Agreement and the abstention from irredentist declarations,” the statement read.

The U.S. Visit and Political Context

Mickoski’s visit to the U.S. coincided with President Trump’s inauguration, where he was reportedly one of the few European leaders in attendance. The trip was organized in part by Rumble, a video platform owned by a North Macedonian Canadian businessman called Chris Pavlovski, who is considered part of Trump’s inner circle, says Republika.

Pavlovski, whose wealth is estimated at $1.2 billion by Forbes, has invested heavily in the U.S. tech sector and is reportedly exploring opportunities in North Macedonia’s digital economy.

The Prime Minister’s itinerary included meetings with right-wing media figures such as Tucker Carlson and Dan Bongino, as well as Devin Nunes, the incoming intelligence adviser to President Trump and CEO of Trump Media Group.

Reactions on North Macedonia Name Issue

Domestically, Mickoski’s remarks have sparked criticism from the opposition Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM) party, which accused him of engaging in a “highly paid PR farce” that does not serve the interests of North Macedonia. “Instead of addressing the urgent needs of the citizens at home, Mickoski is focusing on divisive nationalist rhetoric,” an SDSM spokesperson said.

Internationally, Mickoski’s comments have raised concerns about the stability of the Prespa Agreement, which was hailed as a significant step toward regional stability and North Macedonia’s integration into NATO and the European Union. Analysts warn that undermining the agreement could jeopardize the country’s European aspirations and strain relations with Greece.