The overwhelming majority of Greeks opposes the use of term “Macedonia” in the new name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. In a public opinion poll published Sunday morning, that is just a few hours before the Macedonia protest in Athens,
- 71.5% of respondent said they do not agree with the use.
- 22.5% said “Yes”
- 6% did not answer.
source: thestival.gr
In the poll conducted by the University of Maedonia (PAMAK) for Research Institute ELIAMEP,
- 56% said “Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is moving in the wrong direction” on the issue, while 26.5% said he is moving in the right direction.
54% considers the handling of the issue by the leader of main opposition party, conservative New Democracy as “wrong.” 21.5% consider it “right.”
47% of respondents consider the handling by Foreign Minister, Nikos Kotzias, as “wrong” and 26% as “right.”
51% consider the handling of the issue by junior coalition partner, nationalist Panos Kammenos as “wrong” and 26.5% as “right.
Finally, 41% considers as “negative” the attitude of the leader of the Church of Greece, Archbishop Ieronymos, and 34.5% as “positive.” The Church of Greece took a clear position in favor of the Macedonia-protest urging the people to join the rally. The Church will send representatives who will address the protesters.
Media do not give more details on the poll, however I suppose, it was conducted just a couple of days ago. Despite the heated debate on the name dispute in recent days, it is interesting that before the first Macedonia-protest on 21. January, it was more Greeks who opposed the term in FYROM’s new name.
