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Skopje/Brussels – Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova took over the function of the President of the state from Stevo Pendarovski in the Office of the President of the Republic of North Macedonia, at an official ceremony with the highest state and military honors.
In “Vila Vodno” she arrived from the Assembly where she took the solemn oath to diligently perform her duties and addressed the present MPs, the diplomatic corps, and representatives of political and social life.
– I declare that I will perform the function of the President of Macedonia conscientiously and responsibly, I will respect the Constitution and laws and will protect sovereignty, territorial integrity and the independence of Macedonia, solemnly swore Siljanovska-Davkova in the Assembly.
In her speech, she emphasized that she will be the president of all citizens, she will not make distinctions between them neither by ethnicity, nor by religion, nor by gender, nor by any other distinction. – I will try to justify these thousands of votes that are not only a beautiful gift for my birthday, but also the biggest responsibility I have had in my life. I will do everything to justify it, stated Siljanovska-Davkova.
The Greek ambassador Sofia Filipidou left the plenary hall, as a sign of protest because Siljanovska-Davkova, during her solemn oath, did not use the constitutional name of the country – the Republic of North Macedonia, but referred to it as Macedonia.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece announced that “bilateral relations with the neighboring country and its European path depend on the complete implementation of the Prespa Agreement and the use of the constitutional name,” pointing out that “during today’s oath in the Assembly, and despite the fact that the official text of the oath dictated was under the name ‘North Macedonia,’ the new President of the Republic of North Macedonia, Mrs. Siljanovska-Davkova, chose to call the country ‘Macedonia’. – This action clearly violates the Prespa Agreement and also the Constitution of the neighboring country, which is aligned with its international obligations, announced the Greek MFA.
In this regard, the European External Action Service (EEAS) also commented that the EU regrets the fact that the new President of North Macedonia, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, did not use the constitutional name of the country at today’s swearing-in ceremony. – The EU reminds of the importance of fully respecting existing, legally binding agreements, including the Prespa Agreement with Greece, stated the EEAS.
Previously, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen in a post on X said that “for North Macedonia to continue its successful path towards EU accession, it is crucial for the country to continue on the path of reforms and fully respecting its binding agreements, including the Prespa Agreement.”
Meanwhile, von der Leyen and the President of the EU Council, Charles Michel sent congratulations to Siljanovska Davkova on her official assumption of the presidential office, highlighting the commitment to cooperation in continuing the European path of the country.
– Congratulations Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, the first female President of North Macedonia. Your leadership comes at a crucial time, while your country is advancing its reforms and continuing on the path towards the EU. I am looking forward to working with you, stated von der Leyen in a post on X.
Congratulations to the new President of North Macedonia, Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, also sent by Michel through the platform X – I look forward to working with you on advancing North Macedonia ‘s path towards the EU, by implementing the reforms and obligations. The future of North Macedonia and the Western Balkans is in the EU, stated Michel in the post. (May 12)