Antonis Samaras and Greek Government Clash Over North Macedonia Comments and Bulgaria Relic Deal

Commission statements trigger political dispute

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen affirmed European Union support for North Macedonia during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski. She stated that the nation belongs at the European Union table and characterized the 2018 Prespa Agreement as an act of political courage that opened the country's accession to NATO. Her remarks also explicitly referenced North Macedonia's distinct cultural and linguistic heritage within Europe.

We welcome North Macedonia, with its identity and language. We believe that the Macedonian culture and the Macedonian language can only make our Union richer.

The comments immediately drew domestic scrutiny in Greece, where the terminology surrounding Macedonian identity remains a sensitive political matter.

Samaras condemns government over North Macedonia and Bulgaria

Former Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras launched a direct attack on both European officials and the current Greek administration in response to the statements. In a recorded video appearance set against a backdrop of the White Tower in Thessaloniki, Samaras characterized recent events as a two-fold setback for Greek foreign policy. He criticized the European Commission leadership for validating North Macedonia's linguistic identity and condemned the simultaneous cultural exchange involving Bulgaria. Samaras specifically targeted the handover of the remains of medieval ruler Tsar Samuel, arguing that Greek authorities remained silent during an event celebrated in Sofia.

We received a double blow today. Mrs Von der Leyen, who I don't know which Europe she represents, expressed admiration for the so-called Macedonian language and Macedonian culture of Skopje.

Government points to Prespa signatories and Church support

Greek government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis responded to the criticisms by asserting that Athens retains decisive leverage over North Macedonia's European trajectory. Marinakis stated that any advancement in candidate status depends on complete adherence to existing bilateral treaties. He also attributed any shortcomings of the Prespa framework to former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, recalling that Kyriakos Mitsotakis had warned against ratifying the agreement when serving as opposition leader. In addressing the Bulgarian exchange, government officials cited formal support from the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece, which endorsed the recovery of 48 sacred relics looted during World War I from monasteries in Serres and Drama.

North Macedonia's path to Europe passes through Greece and requires strict respect for the agreed terms. Our country has proven that it always does what is required to defend our national interests.

Regional political tensions in northern Greece

The dispute coincides with targeted efforts by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to consolidate conservative support in northern Greece. Mitsotakis traveled to Thessaloniki on Saturday to attend the formal signing of the relic agreement with Bulgaria, drawing a parallel to Greece's campaign for the restitution of the Parthenon Sculptures. The previous day, Mitsotakis toured the regional unit of Pieria to address voter defections toward right-wing alternatives such as Kyriakos Velopoulos. Political tensions within the ruling New Democracy party persist as Samaras continues to challenge the government on national issues without yet formally launching an independent political party.