The resignation of Croatia's Deputy Prime Minister Josip Dabro highlights the ongoing challenges within the nation’s coalition government, as mounting public pressure leads to political ramifications.
Croatian Deputy PM Steps Down Amid Controversial Video Incident
Croatian Deputy PM Steps Down Amid Controversial Video Incident
Josip Dabro resigns following backlash from a video depicting him shooting from a moving car, raising questions of accountability in the Croatian government.
Croatia's deputy prime minister, Josip Dabro, has announced his resignation after a controversial video surfaced showing him shooting from a moving vehicle. In this footage, which has drawn significant public and political scrutiny, Dabro can be seen seated in the passenger side, enjoying music and laughing, before he unexpectedly picks up a pistol and fires into the night through an open window.
Representing the hard-right nationalist party, the Homeland Movement, Dabro clarified that the video is several years old, and claimed he was using training bullets during the incident. Nonetheless, the reaction from the government has been swift, deeming Dabro's actions as "inappropriate and irresponsible" and prompting a wider discussion on accountability within political circles, particularly regarding safety and the responsible use of firearms.
In a heartfelt resignation statement shared on social media, the deputy prime minister, who also occupied the post of minister for agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, expressed his regret for becoming a "distraction" to the government. He detailed the heavy "pressure and threats" he faced in light of proposed reforms within his department, alluding to a challenging political landscape.
Dabro's exit comes amidst ongoing tensions in Croatia's coalition government, which was formed in May 2024 and includes his party alongside Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic's centre-right Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ). This government has faced its own challenges lately, including the dismissal of Health Minister Vili Bros last November due to a corruption investigation, reflecting a wider trend of instability.
In a separate yet related political development, incumbent president Zoran Milanovic secured his second term with nearly 75% of the votes, triumphing over HDZ-backed opponent Dragan Primorac. This electoral outcome led Plenkovic to publicly criticize Milanovic, stating, "Milanovic offers nothing," further straining relationships within the political spectrum as Croatian presidents traditionally assume a largely ceremonial role.
