Plenković slams opposition leader's remarks on Swiss franc verdict

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković reacted strongly to a statement by opposition leader Siniša Hajdaš Dončić concerning a verdict in the Swiss franc loan case. Speaking in Brussels, Plenković asserted that Hajdaš Dončić's public comments invoked a past era when political parties dictated judicial proceedings.

"What message is being sent to the Croatian public in 2026 when the opposition leader, although we don't know if he is the leader, publicly says that the verdict would not be like this if they were in power?" Plenković questioned reporters after a summit. He suggested this implies a willingness to make rulings based on party dictates or to directly influence judges.

Hajdaš Dončić had written on social media that the verdict in the Swiss franc case would have been different under his party's leadership. He claimed his party had "cornered the banks" with legislation, demonstrating the state's ability to protect its citizens, and called the current situation a "catastrophe and a mockery of citizens."

Plenković countered that Hajdaš Dončić's statement suggests the judiciary would "sing as the SDP wants" if they were in power, likening it to a return to "long-forgotten times, unreal and incomprehensible for the younger generation." He also criticized the opposition for obstructing the appointment of three Constitutional Court judges. Plenković added that the idea of the executive branch pressuring judges is even more concerning, emphasizing that he himself had not yet seen the Supreme Court's verdict and would comment only after reading it.

Plenković further accused the opposition of fabricating attacks on the State Attorney's Office (DORH), stating that neither the government nor the ruling HDZ party influences DORH or the judiciary. He described Hajdaš Dončić's statement as "emblematic" and "one of the best announcements" the SDP could make, as it reveals their nature to the public. Additionally, Plenković briefly discussed reforms in corporate governance for state-owned enterprises, part of Croatia's efforts to join the OECD, aiming for better management and accountability.