Plenković defends AI video against opposition, criticizes 'Muzemo!'

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković defended his party's controversial AI-generated campaign video, which targeted the opposition platform Možemo! (We Can!). Speaking after the completion of a center for the elderly in Dubrovnik, Plenković asserted that the video addresses corruption scandals linked to the City of Zagreb. He challenged the opposition, stating that they had not refuted any facts presented in the video.

"I am glad the video is successful. If such a sensitive team from 'Muzemo!' as that spot calls them, and 'Muzemo!' is logical because it mentions scandals, whether in sports facilities or in Vodovod i Odvodnja [Water and Sewerage company]. These are major scandals of siphoning money from city institutions and the budget, and essentially, harming the citizens of Zagreb," Plenković said, according to HRT. He dismissed comparisons to Iran's actions as "ridiculous," arguing that political propaganda uses similar tactics globally, citing examples from British campaigns.

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I am glad the video is successful. If such a sensitive team from 'Muzemo!' as that spot calls them, and 'Muzemo!' is logical because it mentions scandals, whether in sports facilities or in Vodovod i Odvodnja. These are major scandals of siphoning money from city institutions and the budget, and essentially, harming the citizens of Zagreb.

Plenković also recalled past actions by political opponents, accusing them of using "deepfake" technology to create a false recording of his voice for diversionary purposes. He characterized the opposition as an "incompetent team," echoing a description by Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Franković as a "henhouse." The Prime Minister believes the opposition is neither politically nor programmatically convincing, stating, "Not only are they devoid of ideas and uncreative, but they are also completely wrong. That team still has a lot to learn before they transform from 'Muzemo!' into a serious political party."

In addition to the campaign video controversy, Plenković addressed President Zoran Milanović's remarks about potentially preventing members of the Croatian Army from attending a military parade in Paris on July 14th to commemorate the fall of the Bastille. Plenković emphasized that this is a protocol event and that the decision falls under the purview of the Minister of Defense.

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That team still has a lot to learn before they transform from 'Muzemo!' into a serious political party.