Croatian minister slams opposition as 'traveling circus,' defends economic policies

Croatian Minister of the Sea, Transport, and Infrastructure, Oleg Butković, sharply criticized the opposition parties SDP and Možemo following their press conference in Rijeka. Butković dismissed their criticisms of the government's actions and Prime Minister as a "traveling circus," accusing them of failing to offer concrete solutions. He specifically targeted SDP President Siniša Hajdaš Dončić, reminding him of his own record as Minister of Transport when discussing inflation and government policies.

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It is indicative that precisely in Rijeka, SDP President Siniša Hajdaš Dončić speaks about inflation and some government moves, forgetting what he did for Rijeka and Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, and Croatia in general, when he was minister of transport.

Butković defended the government's economic strategy, acknowledging that inflation has not yet reached desired levels but noting a downward trend. He attributed the primary drivers of inflation to the conflicts in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the government's timely response through fuel price protection and targeted measures. He assured that state budget expenditures would not increase. Butković also highlighted the introduction of an excess profit tax on companies that significantly increased profits over the past three years, deeming it a fair and solidaristic measure against those who exploited the situation to raise margins.

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It is indicative that precisely in Rijeka, SDP President Siniša Hajdaš Dončić speaks about inflation and some government moves, forgetting what he did for Rijeka and Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, and Croatia in general, when he was minister of transport.

Addressing concerns about tourism taxes, Butković clarified that the increase in lump-sum tourism fees from 70 to 100 euros, or 100 to 150 euros, does not constitute a blow to small landlords. He pointed out that these changes took effect on January 1st, invalidating claims that anti-inflationary measures would increase inflation. He also mentioned adjustments to lump-sum crafts, increasing the recognized expense ratio to 85 percent, aiming to reduce inequality between self-employed and non-self-employed workers. Furthermore, he noted the abolition of income tax on pensions, which will result in higher pensions for all retirees starting January 1st.

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We are introducing a tax on extra profits for companies that have achieved large increases in gross profits in the last three years. I consider this to be solidarity and fair, because some have used the situation to increase their margins, which has also contributed to the increase in inflation.

Butković contrasted the current government's progress with the stagnation he claims Rijeka experienced under SDP rule. He cited ongoing infrastructure projects, including the completion of the Istra Ypsilon and continued highway construction towards Žuta Lokva, and noted that the port of Rijeka now surpasses the port of Trieste in traffic volume. He also condemned a statement attributed to Možemo representative Sandra Benčić, who allegedly called citizens "cattle" in a parliamentary committee, suggesting such individuals would never gain power in Croatia.

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Rijeka, when the SDP ruled in Croatia and Hajdaš Dončić was minister, best felt what stagnation is.