The initiative to erect a sculpture “Mother Macedonia” in Novi Sad has sparked reactions in Serbia, Greece, and Bulgaria. 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”. There have also been reactions in Bulgaria, where the initiative has been interpreted as part of a broader Serbian influence in the Balkans. It would depict a woman in a traditional Macedonian national costume with two children — one turned toward Serbia, and the other toward North Macedonia.