President Milanović at Inauguration Ceremony of New Rector: the University of Zagreb is an important instrument of the Croatian State

“We are really the only ones who care for this University. When I say “we”, I am not distinguishing between colour, tradition, religion or ethnic affiliation, but I mean those who share the Croatian fate and wish good to this country. It will be good if we are united, if we know what our interests are. And these interests are defended with the most powerful instrument and means our people and our nation ever achieved – and that is the Croatian state”, the President of the Republic Zoran Milanović stated today at the inauguration ceremony of the new rector of the University of Zagreb Stjepan Lakušić.

Referring to the University of Zagreb President Milanović said that it is not a private university or a foundation, and together with all its autonomy and independence, it is one of the instruments of the Croatian state. “I had to stress this fact because I deeply believe in it. Given that I do not dispose of these instruments and that I can do neither good or harm, I lend my support to those who will raise awareness and make use of these instruments”, he noted.

This University is the Croatian heart and the Croatian muscle. Therefore, in spite of or regardless of all controversies, interpersonal relations, I wish to thank past rector Boras because I am certain he was guided the whole time by that primary instinct, i.e Croatian progress. To his successor, the new rector, I wish that the University of Zagreb, the central Croatian university, therefore our heart – because it is our identity and our muscle – because it is knowledge, money, influence, technology – be successful, that he be guided by the criteria of university rankings, but those rankings are a doubtful thing”, President Milanović stated in his address when commenting the best ranked universities in the world. “For your sake I wish this university gets a good ranking. It cannot be better with the funds we have, but looking at these rankings you will notice that are quite a few universities from Germany behind Zagreb, yet Germany is a big country with many universities. Here the studies are still good, fundamental knowledge is acquired. We respect ourselves, we appreciate ourselves, we’re not so bad after all”, President Milanović noted.

He indicated that with Croatia’s membership in the European Union history did not end and that we must continue to fight for ourselves. “This University has educated generations, all that which is significant in the Croatian public, political and scientific lives, but not always and not from the beginning”, President Milanović said, underlining that the University of Zagreb has a major task. “Without money and huge investments there is no critical knowledge. This University has a major task and I cannot overstate its significance. Let’s take what we can from the European Union, that’s our money. Five billion kuna, which is our annual average balance or surplus in financial interactions with the European Union, is too little. This is not criticism aimed at this government or any previous one, or some future one because this is a realistic framework. That won’t change Croatia and history doesn’t start there”, the President noted in closing his address.

Also speaking at the inauguration of the new rector of the University of Zagreb besides President Milanović were the vice-president of the Croatian Academy of Science and Arts academician Davor Miličić, Mayor of Zagreb Tomislav Tomašević, the Minister of Science and Education and delegate of the Prime Minister Radovan Fuchs, and Member of the Croatian Parliament and delegate of the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament Vesna Bedeković.

Following the greetings of the distinguished guests, the master of ceremonies of the inauguration ceremony Bojan Baletić, dean of the University of Zagreb’s Faculty of Architecture delivered his introductory speech, which was followed by a speech of past rector Damir Boras, who presented the insignia of the University of Zagreb to the new rector Stjepan Lakušić. Subsequently, the new rector Stjepan Lakušić gave his introductory speech and the ceremony concluded with the academic anthem Gaudeamus igitur.

Alongside President Milanović were the Adviser to the President for Education Jadranka Žarković and the Special Adviser to the President for the Economy Velibor Mačkić.

PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Filip Glas