Speaking to the press in Delnice, the president said he sympathized and understood, but added that the situation was much more different than a year ago.
As for Prime Minister Andrej Plenković’s statement that he would not interfere in the retirement of Honorary and Protection Battalion commander Elvis Burčul, Milanović called it childish and said the problem could not be solved by the Minister of Defence but the Prime Minister.
“The conditions for retirement are clear and as long as I am the president and the (Armed Forces) commander in chief, no one will be harassed by petty politicians,” he said, referring to Defence Minister Mario Banožić, who sent Colonel Burčul into early retirement.
As for illegal drugs in the military, including dealing, Milanović said he would consider irresponsible all commanders who did not pay the most serious attention to the problem.
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