During a press conference after a cabinet meeting, Plenković said that he was sorry over the death of former CEO Marin Pucar, and that Dalić was available in these extraordinary circumstances.
“We spoke about several options considering her experience and the fact that Podravka is a large company, the state has its interest in it, the company is important for Koprivnica-Križevci County and the food industry. We considered that she could make a quality contribution in that role,” said Plenković, adding that this was the assessment of a co-owner.
Asked to comment on the negative perception of Dalić in public due to the Lex Agrokor episode, Plenković said that he has managed to gain quite a bit of experience regarding perception and reality and that, when looking in the long term at how much the government has contributed to the economy’s stability, it will be seen that it made a move that saved that conglomerate and jobs.
“I don’t see anything bad for her to be in that position. In fact, I see that as an opportunity for Podravka and the objectives the co-owners desire, and that is greater profit during the time she will run the company,” he said.
Asked what her references for that job were, Plenković said that he cannot see how someone who has a PhD in economics and is at a mature phase in their career has poorer references than former Koprivnica mayor Zvonimir Mršić, who too was a CEO at Podravka at one stage.
As soon as epidemiological circumstances permit, everyone will be allowed to work
Plenković went on to say that the epidemiological restrictions were based on recommendations by experts and appealed for responsibility and common sense, adding that all options would be put on the table on 15 February to see if the measures can be relaxed or not.
Referring to yesterday’s protest rally by entrepreneurs where protestors called for better aid for businesses forced to close due to COVID, Plenković said that everyone will be allowed to work as soon as the epidemiological circumstances change.
“There is no political will in any of us nor are we happy that someone cannot work. In fact, we are sorry and that is a burden for all taxpayers and for the sustainability of public finances. Concrete demands are continually being considered by the competent ministers with representatives of various associations,” he said.
With regard to expanding reliefs for entrepreneurs, he recalled that more than HRK 1 billion in parafiscal fees had been abolished and that will continue.
