Christmas Message of the President of the Republic of Croatia Zoran Milanović
Dear fellow citizens,
As the most joyous time of the year is approaching, I wish Merry Christmas to all in our Homeland and to all our compatriots abroad, especially Croats in our neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina.
While recently visiting Croatian emigrants in faraway Chile, I realized that for Croats all over the world Christmas is not merely a holiday, but a joyous family gathering, a celebration of hope and faith in goodness, peace and togetherness.
The year that is coming to an end was no easy one. Unfortunately, the world around us was filled with new war conflicts and challenges that affect each and every one of us, whether we like it or not. It seems like there is never a break from bad news. To call for peace and an end to hostilities, to call for an end to the suffering and hardship of the people in Ukraine, is the least we must do.
Our people have experienced life in a conflict and in difficult times. Therefore this Christmas we must be especially grateful to a small number of brave people, the defenders who brought peace and security to Croatia. And it is up to us who live in Croatia today to preserve and maintain that peace and security at any cost. It is a great responsibility for all those who put Croatia and its people first.
On the eve of this Christmas we face new economic concerns that only yesterday seemed as a distant past. Due to inflation and rising prices, it is becoming more and more difficult for many families to ensure the dignity and standard of living that we have come to expect in recent years. I realize it is not easy to make every holiday wish of your son or granddaughter, partner or dear friend come true.
Many of you have yet to resolve the housing issue so long after the unfortunate earthquakes in Zagreb and its surroundings, then in Banija. There is no more room for promises, the institutions that are responsible for reconstruction must take action to permanently settle the housing issue for those residents.
The Croatian success stories we are hearing about – entry into the euro area or the Schengen Area – cannot mask the problems and concerns of the Croatian people. No matter how futile it may seem at times, we should not give up seeking solutions to problems that concern us and impede our progress.
If as a society and as a nation we were to be united as when we rooted for our great National Football Team at the end of this year then only the sky would be the limit. Let us ride that red-hot wave into the coming year!
I wish Merry Christmas to all the Christian believers. I wish everyone in Croatia joyous holidays from the bottom of my heart. Spend them surrounded by family and loved ones with hope and faith in the goodness of others.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!