Protesters in Athens throw petrol bombs at police over Macedonia name deal

https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/20/europe/athens-greece-protest-macedonia-intl/index.html

60,000 people took part in a protest outside of the parliament building in Greece today. The protesters clashed with police and threw stones and petrol bombs at the officers. The police force responded with tear gas. The protest was over a proposed deal with Macedonia which would officially rename the Republic of Macedonia to the Republic of Northern Macedonia. The name deal is the result of a territorial dispute between Macedonia and a province in Greece with the same name. Greeks in that region feel that the country of Macedonia is making a claim on that province by using the same name. This has been a long standing issue, but it finally erupted in light of the deal that was aimed to solve it. The deal was made because Macedonia wants to join the EU, but Greece refuses to allow it due to the name dispute. The West wants more Balkan nations to join the EU, while Moscow is more than happy to watch this dispute continue. This protest is fascinating because the Macedonians are the ones changing their names, but some Greeks felt it was not enough. This issue shows the power of national identity and pride. Many people, including myself, probably think of the province in Greece made famous by Alexander the Great when they hear the name Macedonia. That rich history might lead to a modern day name change for a country.

-Devin Carrier