President Milanović: Uncontrolled import of foreign workers cannot solve labour shortage issue

“We will witness, for some time, the arrival of money due to Croatia’s membership in the European Union. We are using that money somewhat, but it could be better and more. Every available euro, if not utilized, will be a painful loss because that money will not keep coming forever,” the President of the Republic Zoran Milanović said in Kamanje, a municipality that is today marking Municipality Day, Kamanje Parish Day and the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary.

Speaking at the special session of the Kamanje Municipal Council on the use of European funds, President Milanović said that this money is being used and invested, but not in the opening of new factories or high-tech production facilities. “This is not the policy of those who finance the European Union, who are among the richest countries and do not want real competition. They want partners whom they can manage,” said President Milanović, emphasizing that the European Union was not conceived in a way that those who currently hold dominant positions would share or relinquish that position to anyone else.

He added that in this world and under such circumstances, Croatia must be very wise and shrewd to fight for its interests and get as close as possible to the richest EU countries.

Furthermore, the President spoke about the increasing number of foreign workers coming to Croatia and emphasized that there are no dishonourable jobs that our people should avoid. “I agree with the statement I heard here today that not all of our children need to be doctors or engineers. Our children or grandchildren are not superior beings who cannot or should not do the jobs for which people are brought in from abroad. I have no issue with their religion or skin colour, but it is a different culture. We will have to work on ensuring that no jobs are considered dishonourable, and the key to that is making sure these jobs are decently paid. The solution is not to bring in anyone who suits an employer without control. We have noticed this, and it needs to be stopped. And anyone who says that such behaviour is nationalistic or racist is a manipulator. This has nothing to do with any political orientation, whether left or right – it is common sense. There are not 70 million of us, but barely four, and we must protect our people very intelligently and thoughtfully,” President Milanović said.

In addition to President Milanović, speakers at the special session included Ivan Lukunić, President of the Kamanje Municipal Council, Damir Mateljan, Head of the Municipality of Kamanje, Lidija Bošnjak, Mayor of Ozalj, representing the municipalities and towns, and Vesna Hajsan Dolinar, Deputy Karlovac County Prefect and delegate of the Karlovac County Prefect.

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