Zhernovski: "It's unacceptable to send a person from 'Gradski Parking' as ambassador to Athens"
Zhernovski says appointing an official from 'Gradski Parking' to Athens undermines North Macedonia's diplomatic standing; MFA lists 24 vacant missions.
Zhernovski sharply criticised the government’s planned appointment to Athens, saying: "It's unacceptable to send a person from 'Gradski Parking' as ambassador to Athens."
The lawmaker argued the move is another sign that the state is becoming diplomatically isolated, noting that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has acknowledged 24 diplomatic‑consular posts are currently without an ambassador or a general consul.
Vacancies and reputation
Zhernovski warned that the Mickoski government's personnel decisions are eroding the authority the country had been building in its diplomacy for years. He said such appointments risk leaving Macedonian missions empty at a time when presence in key European agendas matters most.
He also questioned the criteria used for high diplomatic posts and demanded transparency about who will be nominated to represent the country in Athens, calling on the government to prioritise professional experience in foreign service over political or municipal ties.
Observers quoted by Zhernovski say prolonged vacancies and controversial nominations damage the country's image abroad and complicate participation in international forums. He urged the Ministry and the executive to move quickly to fill critical posts with career diplomats.
Photo: press material from the event
