President Milanović in Čakovec: We must have reservations about all decision-making centres that are outside Croatia

“I wish you to remain loyal Europeans, to be good neighbours with all those who are part of that same community, but a community that is here because it got together for the sake of interest. We have our own interest and we should stick to it”, the President of the Republic Zoran Milanović said today in Čakovec, participating in the City Day celebrations.

In his address, President Milanović noted that the fact that we have a Croatian state is a big deal because not all peoples and nations have one, and that our membership in the European Union should be perceived consciously and soberly because we have always belonged there. “Nothing much has changed here. Some things are – more money is coming into European projects, but it would be there regardless of who is prime minister. Perhaps money would be treated a little more seriously and responsibly, but the money would still be there and the projects would be realized. However, it is not forever. You who work and create, have an industry, know this very well. In order for money to be long-lasting, unquestionable and permanent, it must be backed by either gold or a great military power, which Europe does not have,” said President Milanović.

In this sense, he said that the time we live in is special and that we must make the most of what is offered to us, because a crisis is on the horizon. He explained that he does not think that Croatia is threatened by a dangerous, war and existential crisis, but that we must not live as if what is happening right now will last forever. “We must take everything that is offered to us and be aware from the experience of Croatian people’s tribunes, politicians, leaders, bigwigs, politicians of the modern era that decision-making centres are outside Croatia – distant centres. That no one asks us, neither when it comes to defence, nor money”, he said, and emphasized that we must be loyal to what we agreed to and entered of our own free will, “that is the European Union and that is NATO, but not to fall into a trance, we must remain cool-headed and sober.”

Furthermore, he said that Europe and the world are facing a major, serious crisis in which we must seek to preserve our interests, our good and our well-being, and that we must be aware that times are changing, but that some parameters remain the same. “All decision-making centres that are outside Croatia are centres that should be perceived cautiously, attentively and curiously, because the truth is here in our country, decisions are made in Croatia and everything that is not in Croatia is beyond our control, the control of national interests,” said the President.

“Before the European elections, this is a message of sobriety and scepticism towards the many fairy tales we are told, because all the truth, all the sadness and pain lie here in Čakovec, Međimurje, Varaždin, Zagreb, Split, Rijeka. This is our country, this is our homeland, our citizens regardless of religion, our world, our people, and we owe them our loyalty and love, and love knows its people,” President Milanović concluded.

Speaking at the ceremony besides President Milanović were the president of the Čakovec City Council Josip Varga, the Mayor of Čakovec Ljerka Cividini, Međimurje County-Prefect Matija Posavec and the member of the European Parliament and delegate of the Prime Minister Sunčana Glavak. Public recognitions of the City of Čakovec for 2023 were presented.

Alongside President Milanović was the Adviser to the President for Human Rights and Civil Society Melita Mulić.

PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Marko Beljan