Mucunski refuses to confirm whether Filip Pashu is candidate for ambassador to Athens

Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Timcho Mucunski declined to confirm reports that Filip Pashu has been chosen as North Macedonia's ambassador to Athens, saying on 18 August 2026 that the selection process is classified and that commenting would amount to a criminal offence.

At a press briefing Mucunski answered a reporter's question about the Athens post by stressing the legal limits around the procedure. "On the question of an ambassador in Athens, because the procedure is in a phase that is classified. If I were to comment, I would commit a criminal offence. I appreciate the media's curiosity, but at this stage I still cannot comment on the name of the candidate for ambassador in Athens," he said.

The minister's statement came after media outlets published a report naming Filip Pashu as a candidate. Mucunski did not provide additional details or a timetable for the procedure, only repeating that disclosure at this stage would violate the classification of the process.

Background on the named candidate

According to information released by the City of Skopje when he received a municipal post, Pashu was appointed acting director of JP "Gradski parking" Skopje on 31 December 2021. Before that he had served as deputy director and as chairman of the company's management board.

The City described Pashu as holding a master's degree in economics with extensive experience managing projects funded by USAID, DFID and the EU's IPA funds. He has also served as a non‑executive director at AD "Energetika" Skopje, deputy director of Gradski parking and chairman of its management board.

Pashu's brief tenure as director of Gradski parking — reportedly lasting just ten days before he was dismissed by then-mayor Danela Arsovska — has drawn attention in coverage of the possible diplomatic appointment.

Photo: press material from the event