Here I will not speak only as an analyst but also as a Macedonian, because the issue needs clarification. First of all, no one can impose on anyone the adoption of any issue at the level of internal policy. But, Alexander, they signed a treaty. Yes, but what mechanism controls the schools? Is there some magical way to get into the minds of the people of Skopje and take away their idea of Macedonism? Let's get serious. This particular treaty represents a defeat for Greece at the geopolitical level because it gave an excuse to a weak opponent to defeat us with meager means. Skopje has no reason to abandon such a strategy, especially since they receive support from Turkey, and because they have secured participation in NATO. How can Greece mitigate the consequences? Carrot and stick. As people north of our borders, as well as east of them, have always understood. Some of the inhabitants of Skopje are begging to receive a Greek passport. Another part has a fluid national consciousness, with all that this entails. Taking control of the finances of this state is the first step that must be taken. The second is long-term but requires a lot of effort: the integration of the inhabitants of the southern areas aimed at creating a buffer zone that will be controlled by Greece. I am referring to the line of Ohrid-Monastir-Veche. This can be done with tools that I will not mention here. Any encouragement, however, is doomed to fail. We should keep in mind that Skopje is following the same tactic as Albania: appropriating a historical past that does not belong to them, as they are states with fluid national consciousness that, being weak, are looking for stability from somewhere. Regarding Skopje, there are two significant moves that I believe constitute critical factors: ▫️The recognition of their church by the Ecumenical Patriarchate. I think this will alleviate the feelings of the inhabitants of the country in the long term through religious sentiment. ▫️Greece cleverly leaves Bulgaria to do the dirty work regarding the claims so as to heighten the fear of the people of Skopje about possible absorption by Bulgaria. This may create countervailing forces internally along with the pressure from the Albanian speakers so that Skopje is forced to turn toward Greece. In any case, dealing with our northern neighbors requires a Byzantine approach. Admittedly, however, the Greek side considers Turkish influence there to be the catalyst for many issues. (translated)
