Josipović: Ustasha Serpent Is Increasingly Slithering; Draws Parallels Between Past and Present Political Tensions

Former Croatian President Ivo Josipović sees echoes of past political conflicts in the current standoff between Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and President Zoran Milanović. The dispute centers on attendance at a military parade in Paris, with Josipović noting that while the defense minister could propose attendance, the president's order holds primacy. Josipović stated he would likely have permitted the military's participation and possibly attended himself, but he respects Milanović's differing decision.

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It would be truly terrible and would completely drag the army into politics. So, I think anyone who is in the position of Chief of the General Staff, down to the lowest rank and ordinary soldier, should be removed from politics and not allowed for politics, this or that, to be a burden or weight in performing what the constitution and law expect from the army.

Josipović also defended the Chief of the General Staff, General Tihomir Kundid, asserting that following orders does not warrant dismissal. He stressed the importance of keeping the military separate from political influence, stating that neither the chief nor any soldier should be burdened by political considerations.

Recalling his own presidency, Josipović revealed that he once prevented attempts to reduce presidential constitutional powers by threatening to take the matter to the Constitutional Court. He noted similarities between those events and the current dynamic between Plenković and Milanović, suggesting that while some presidential powers were narrowed, they remained within constitutional bounds.

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There were similarities. There were similarities. There was a moment when, truly, I would say, if I remember correctly, there was even a working group and the minister came, and another lady, an assistant or whatever she was, with some drafts of changes to the law that would truly derogate certain constitutional powers of the President of the Republic.

Furthermore, Josipović voiced strong concerns about the resurgence of "Ustasha mentality," which he believes is becoming increasingly evident. He criticized the education system for reinterpreting or neutrally presenting history instead of clearly positioning anti-fascism. Josipović feels that Plenković's government has lost control over this trend, reinforcing his earlier assessment of a dangerous element within the nation.

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It crawls slowly. More and more.