Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, North Macedonia's first female president, was inaugurated on May 12, although she declined to use the country’s full official name during the ceremony, angering opposition leaders. Siljanovska-Davkova has previously refused to use the word "North" before the country's name in public speeches, a snub directed at the divisive Prespa Agreement made with Greece in 2019 that resolved the countries' name dispute. The agreement, which mandated that Macedonia become North Macedonia, cleared the path for North Macedonia's further Western integration. In her speech, Siljanovska-Davkova said: "I will respect this parliament, forget the bad moments, only remember the good ones. I will be president on both the left and the right, for all citizens." To read the original story by RFE/RL's Balkan Service, click here.
North Macedonia's First Female President Sworn In, Declines To Use 'North'
Outgoing President Stevo Pendarovski (left) turns over North Macedonia's presidency on May 12 to Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, who won election four days earlier.