President Milanović on Defense Minister’s Initiative: The Constitution Is Clear, There Is no Compulsory Military Service, I Am only Interested in Croatia’s Defense Capabilities

After viewing the military exercise in Slunj, the President of the Republic Zoran Milanović commented on the initiative of Defense Minister Mario Banožić to introduce compulsory military service in Croatia.

“My interest is entirely in the context of Croatia’s defense capabilities. Our Constitution is quite clear, there is no compulsory military service. In Europe only a few states have compulsory military service. Therefore, this has to be pondered upon, we must be realistic and aware that the only criteria to consider are the defense capabilities of the Croatian state and surely the welfare of our citizens and young people”, President Milanović stated.

Asked about the financial aspects of the possible introduction of compulsory military service, the President of the Republic noted: “It would definitely be complicated and preparations would take some years, there are logistical and financial issues.”

The reporters also asked the President to comment on the Prime Minister’s statement yesterday, when he said that the President is a “hate speech instigator” and in that context mentioned “two incidents against Bulgarian nationals” without further elaborating.

“What was Plenković thinking about?” he asked reporters who did not know either. “The Prime Minister goes around and talks nonsense about some attacks on Bulgarians in Croatia, I suppose. I would feel obligated to explain what I meant by that statement, try to substantiate it. Ask the Prime Minister. In what way was I a hate speech instigator? In warning about the policy of one state towards another friendly state, that it is not right and that it is harmful in the long run. I also said that pressure and blackmail of a small, neighbouring state is wrong”, President Milanović replied.

“Imagine someone in Croatia denying the Bosniaks the right to call their language Bosniak. That doesn’t come to mind to anyone in Croatia”, the President of the Republic added, and wondered where the Prime Minister gets information about incidents. “Who told him that, whom does the Prime Minister trust? Ask him. That’s irresponsible”, President Milanović concluded.