Plenković hits back hard at opposition: 'If they say that publicly, imagine what they say in private'

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković sharply criticized the opposition's early election campaigning, asserting that their efforts will ultimately fail, just as they have in the past three election cycles. Plenković, who also leads the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), stated that his party is preparing for elections when the time is right, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring Croatia's stability and development.

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We congratulate them (the opposition) for starting early. It's good that they are training, but they will go down like the last three times.

Speaking at the 37th anniversary of the HDZ's founding, Plenković accused the opposition of misunderstanding his party, viewing them as "charlatans and calculators." He stressed that the HDZ's focus remains on creating the necessary conditions for a stable Croatia, arguing that stability is the foundation for progress and development. "We can do that. That is why we will prepare for election games when it is their time. And we congratulate them (the opposition) for starting early. It's good that they are training, but they will go down like the last three times," he stated.

Plenković identified the opposition's core message as "de-HDZ-ization," drawing a parallel to the "de-Tuđmanization" movement of the early 2000s. He characterized this agenda as exclusive, undemocratic, and based on "envy." The Prime Minister also referenced a recent incident where an "ultra-left politician" allegedly called people "cattle" during a Constitutional Court judicial nomination hearing, suggesting such rhetoric is indicative of the opposition's closed-door discussions.

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As it was de-Tuđmanization in the 2000s, now they are going with this agenda. Keep that in mind. That is the heart and essence of that policy.

He highlighted the government's accomplishments, including five billion euros invested in Zagreb and Banovina's reconstruction, modern energy infrastructure, and 3.2 billion euros allocated to new kindergartens, schools, universities, and sports facilities. Plenković urged party members to tirelessly present these achievements to the public, warning that an opposition focused on "apriori criticism bordering on political aggression, often with a lot of primitivism and exclusivity" could confuse voters. He concluded that the opposition's goal is to claim that "nothing is worth anything and that some change is needed," urging the HDZ to counter this narrative with facts and greater activity.

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Today I told the coalition that if she is capable of saying that publicly, imagine what they say in closed circles.