New North Macedonia PM describes country’s constitutional name as ‘shameful’

North Macedonia's new prime minister has described as "shameful" the inclusion of the designation "North" in the constitutional name of the country but said he was required to "capitulate" to its use as it was now part of the country's legal system.

Hristijan Mickoski was speaking late Sunday shortly before his center-right party secured parliamentary approval to lead a new coalition government in a vote.

While Mickoski referred to the state as "Macedonia" during the two-day parliamentary debate leading to Sunday's vote, he used the country's constitutional name, Republic of North Macedonia, in his swearing-in oath.

"I say that this designation, which I have to state during my swearing-in, is shameful, as it reminds me personally of the shame you have brought to my country, my family and my unborn grandchildren and those who will come after them," he said.

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