Police fired tear gas at dozens of angry rioters, who clashed with officers outside the parliament building in the Greek capital of Athens. Angry protestors threw rocks, flares, firebombs and other objects at police officers blocking the parliament entrance.Greek police said 10 officers were injured in the clashes. More than 60,000 demonstrators from all over the country attended demonstrations today along Syntagma square, in a bid to rally against Greece’s agreement to change Macedonia’s name.
A protestor at the scene said: “We cannot stomach this deal, to give away our Macedonia, our history.
“Macedonia is Greek, period.”
The deal will end a 28-year dispute on the country’s name, which is set to become the Republic of North Macedonia.
Macedonia is a country in the Balkans, located just north of Greece.
At the UN, the country was formally known as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (Fyrom).
However, many Greeks believe the name Macedonia implies a territorial claim over their country’s own northern region.
Protestors are alarmed the agreement would recognise a Macedonian nationality, which could ignite claims over Greek history and heritage.
Greece’s Parliament is expected to debate on the deal on Monday and vote on it by Friday.
Earlier this month, Greece and Macedonia agreed on the controversial name change as the Balkan State bid for EU and NATO membership.
On Wednesday, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras won a vote of no confidence in his Government by 151 votes.
Mr Tsipras told Sunday’s Avgi newspaper: “The Prespes accord is a historic step not only for the two countries and the broader region, but for Europe as a whole. It cements relations of friendship, cooperation and stability.”
The Greek leader hailed victory after the vote was called in an ongoing row over Macedonia’s name change.
Mr Tsipras said: ”Today the Greek parliament gave a vote of confidence in stability.
“We received a vote of confidence with our only concern to continue to address the needs and interests of the Greek people.”