After several days of hesitation, the Defence Minister has changed his mind.
As expected, Damir Krstičević has decided to continue as Minister of Defence, according to a press release that has been published by the Ministry of Defence on Monday and which includes his statement, reports Index.hr on 24 July 2017.
“After several discussions with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, I have decided to continue to carry out the duties of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. The public is well aware of the reasons behind why I offered my resignation. I have repeatedly explained them, and I want to deny any other hidden reasons or motives.
Members of the Armed Forces, together with other members of the firefighting forces, undertook tremendous efforts to defend us from catastrophic fires. I would like to thank them with my whole heart for that.
Over the past few days, I have received phone calls from members of the Croatian Armed Forces, my colleagues generals and ministers, but I am especially grateful to the Prime Minister Andrej Plenković for his unreserved support, not only to me but also to all the projects that I have launched, together with my team, for strengthening of the Armed Forces and for building a better and more efficient system of homeland security. That support is the reason for my decision.
I am honoured to lead the Ministry of Defence and, together with my team and in cooperation with other ministries and the President of the Republic Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, to continue major projects of outstanding importance for the strengthening of the Armed Forces, security, prosperity and economic development of the Republic of Croatia.
Finally, I must thank my numerous friends, Croatian war veterans from the Homeland War, and numerous citizens who have sent me messages of support in recent days.”
Last Tuesday, Krstičević announced he would resign. Just a day later, he said at a press conference that he would stay as minister until the Parliament dismissed him. Afterwards, Krstičević no longer wanted to discuss the subject, saying, “I think everything is clear.” Asked whether or not he talked with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and whether he might change his mind, he replied, “The Prime Minister and I are also in discussions. The Croatian public will know everything in time.”
The soap opera on whether he would resign or not lasted for several days, and then on Friday the Minister said he was going on a short vacation with his family. Apparently, the vacation has ended, and the expected decision has been made.
Translated from Index.hr.
