President Milanović: Money from European Funds is pouring in, but people are boycotting European elections because they wish to send a message
“Money from European Funds is money that represents a certain contribution to the Croatian economy and growth that would be smaller if it weren’t there. And our people know this, especially here, people know that money is coming, yet they boycott European elections. This can be called a boycott and only in Croatia”, the President of the Republic Zoran Milanović stated today at a ceremony held on the occasion of Ivanec Municipal Day and the Feast of Saint John the Baptist.
In his address, President Milanović referred to the low turnout of Croatian citizens in the European elections. “Almost 70 percent of voters turn out for the Croatian parliamentary elections, and then come the European elections, and in Međimurje, 17 per cent of people vote. This is such a low turnout that it deserves our attention. People spontaneously want to make a statement, they want to send a subliminal message. Something’s not right here because that money from Europe is pouring in, it is significant and would come by inertia in any case”, President Milanović noted.
He further stated that within the space of two months, national parliamentary elections were also held. “Parliamentary elections are realistically much more important than European ones, because essentially all important and major things are decided in the Croatian Parliament. What is not decided is beyond our reach, beyond our power, and I hope that those who actually make decisions think carefully about what they are doing and that they consider that the world can only progress if nations and states cooperate and if there is peace. Without that, things don’t work,” President Milanović said in concluding his address.
Addressing the gathering in addition to President Milanović were the president of Ivanec Municipal Council Zdenko Đuras, the mayor of Ivanec Milorad Batinić, the mayor of Varaždin Neven Bosilj, Međimurje County-prefect Matija Posavec, the delegate of the Prime Minister and Varaždin County-prefect Anđelko Stričak, and the delegate of the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament and MP Goran Kaniški. Public commendations were presented at the ceremony.
Prior to the ceremony held on the occasion of Ivanec Municipal Day and the Feast of Saint John the Baptist, President Milanović toured the production facility of the company “Ivančica d.d.”. Accompanied by the chairman of the Management Board Siniša Zver and the member of the Management Board Tajana Gotal, President Milanović viewed the plant which is one of the largest Croatian footwear manufacturers.
During the tour, the company representatives highlighted their own children’s footwear brand Froddo, which has existed for 25 years and has become synonymous with quality on the European market and one of the leading brands of children’s footwear in Europe. They stated that they generate more than 80% of business revenues by exporting Froddo footwear to 43 countries, primarily to European Union countries. The company “Ivančica” d.d. employs 650 workers, 80 percent of whom are women, and who make up the majority in leading positions in the business system. The Integrative Workshop Work Unit operates within the company and employs 31 people with disabilities and reduced work efficiency.
Accompanying President Milanović was the Adviser to the President for Human Rights and Civil Society Melita Mulić and the Special Adviser to the President for the Economy Velibor Mačkić.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Dario Andrišek