The initiative to erect a sculpture “Mother Macedonia” in Novi Sad has sparked reactions in Serbia, Greece, and Bulgaria. The proposal was submitted by the National Council of the Macedonian National Minority in Serbia on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the settlement of Macedonians in Vojvodina, Danas has reported.
The proposal has been met with sharp reactions from the Civic Party of Greeks in Serbia, which has requested authorities in Novi Sad reject the initiative. The Party believes the sculpture would represent a “deep disrespect toward the Greek people and state”. It especially contests the name, “Mother Macedonia”.
There have also been reactions in Bulgaria, where the initiative has been interpreted as part of a broader Serbian influence in the Balkans.
The bronze sculpture is about two meters high. It would depict a woman in a traditional Macedonian national costume with two children — one turned toward Serbia, and the other toward North Macedonia. Sculptor Sinisha Noveski is the author of the project.