Officials in Athens are bracing for a massive rally that organizers hope will attract more than a million people to the center of the city.
Following a similar rally in Thessaloniki two weeks ago that brought hundreds of thousands of people to the city center, protestors want to send a message to the government of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras that the use of the word “Macedonia” is not negotiable for the name of Greece’s northern neighbor, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
The Greek government is currently in negotiations with FYROM, facilitated by United Nations negotiator Matthew Nimitz and numerous reports have claimed that a composite name will be given to the country, like New Macedonia or Northern Macedonia.
The two countries have been deadlocked for a quarter of a century and Greece has prevented FYROM’s entry into the European Union and NATO, until a solution to the country’s name is resolved.
Two out of three Greeks oppose any use of the name “Macedonia,” according to various polls.
Dozens of diaspora groups, particularly from the United States and Canada have been extremely vocal and thousands of people from North America are expected to be in attendance, including leadership from numerous diaspora Macedonian societies.
Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis is expected to address the rally, as are representatives of the Greek Orthodox Church, particularly from the northern Metropolises.
More than 1,5000 busses have been chartered from all corners of Greece to bring demonstrators to the rally and police in Athens are preparing for what a press spokesperson called “a large-scale event.”
*****
Since you’re here… I have a small favor to ask.
More and more people than ever before are reading The Pappas Post and despite increasing costs to maintain the site and provide you with the quality content that you deserve, I will never “force” you to pay for our website or add a paywall. I believe in the democracy of the internet and want to keep this site and its enriching content free for everyone. But at the same time I’m asking those who frequent the site to chip in and help keep it both high quality— and free. We’ve implemented a “free-will” annual subscription for those who want to support our efforts. I guess it’s fair to call it a philotimo subscription… because you don’t have to do it but it’s really the right thing to do if you love the site and the content we publish. So if you like The Pappas Post and want to help, please consider becoming a “philotimo subscriber”. Click here to subscribe. If you’d rather make a one time donation, we will gladly accept any amount, with appreciation. Click here to donate any amount.
