“I can confirm that I was called to the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” Ambassador Glunčić told Hina, declining to reveal details of the discussion.
According to a statement from the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Glunčić was called over “highly unusual statements by the Croatian president,” which were “sharply rejected”.
“Comparing the measures against the coronavirus pandemic to fascism is unacceptable. It is our responsibility to protect the citizens of Austria and we are acting accordingly,” the Austrian ministry said, as quoted by APA news agency.
“We clearly conveyed our surprise at these statements to the Croatian ambassador in Austria,” said Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal, State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Austrian media quoted the Croatian president as saying after an audience with Pope Francis in the Vatican on Monday that the Austrian decision to impose a lockdown on unvaccinated people was “reminiscent of the 1930s” and called it foolish.
On Monday, Austria imposed restrictions on the freedom of movement for people who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and those who have not recovered from the disease. These people are allowed to leave their homes only to buy food, visit a doctor or a pharmacy and go to work. Failure to comply with this measure is subject to a fine of up to €1,450.
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