Minister Calls President's Statehood Day Absence 'Terrible Disrespect'

Croatia has much to be proud of after more than 35 years of statehood, according to Minister of Culture and Media Nina Obuljen Koržinek. Speaking on Statehood Day, she emphasized the nation's significant achievements despite ongoing challenges.

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I would wish for all of us to observe it with dignity, both in public observances and celebrations, and in our families. Croatia as a state has achieved a great deal in the last more than 35 years. We should be proud of this, with all the problems and challenges.

"We should be proud of this, with all the problems and challenges," Obuljen Koržinek said, calling for dignified observance of the holiday both in public celebrations and within families. She highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage and rebuilding efforts following the Homeland War and the Zagreb earthquake, describing these as symbols of national identity.

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These are symbols of our identity, our history that we need to preserve, pass on to the young, and send a message of how important it is to respect and nurture these values.

The minister strongly criticized President Zoran Milanović's absence from the official Statehood Day commemoration. She called his no-show a "terrible sign of disrespect" and an act that fosters division within the country. Obuljen Koržinek noted that such behavior is a "disgrace for him, but also a great pity and a sign of terrible disrespect."

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I do not know of an example of a president or head of state who would not congratulate their citizens on Statehood Day.

She expressed hope that citizens will elect leaders in the future who uphold national values and respect the opinions of all citizens. The president's absence from the official ceremony, which was established by the Croatian Parliament, has become a focal point of political debate.

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This is not proclaimed by just anyone, but by the Croatian Parliament.