Ahead of tomorrow’s debate and vote in Parliament, the Prime Minister-Designate has reportedly selected ministers in the new government.
According to media reports, HDZ president and Prime Minister-Designate selected on Tuesday evening his nominees for ministers in the new Croatian government. He presented them at a meeting of HDZ presidency. On Wednesday morning, Plenković will present his nominees to Parliament and ask for a vote of confidence. It is certain that he will receive support from much more than 76 MPs needed for a government to be confirmed.
The ministers in new government are:
Gari Capelli – Tourism Minister; current Mayor of Mali Lošinj
Oleg Butković – Transport, Infrastructure and Maritime Affairs Minister; current minister
Nada Murganić – Demography, Family, Youth and Social Policy Minister
Nina Obuljen – Culture Minister; former Assistant Minister and State Secretary
Zdravko Marić – Finance Minister; current minister
Milan Kujundžić – Health Minister; former candidate for HDZ president
Davor Ivo Stier – Foreign Minister; former MEP
Damir Krstičević – Defence Minister; retired general
Martina Dalić – Economy Minister; former Finance Minister (2010-2011)
Lovro Kuščević – Construction Minister; current minister
Pavo Barišić – Science and Education Minister; university professor
Tomo Medved – Veterans Affairs Minister; current minister
Gabrijela Žalac – Regional Development and EU Funds Minister; director of Vukovar-Srijem County Development Agency
Tomislav Tolušić – Agriculture Minister; current Regional Development and EU Funds Minister
Tomislav Ćorić – Labour and Pension System Minister; economist
Goran Marić – minister without portfolio
Slaven Dobrović (MOST) – Environmental Protection and Energy Minister; current minister
Ante Šprlje (MOST) – Justice Minister; current minister
Vlaho Orepić (MOST) – Interior Minister; current minister
Ivan Kovačić (MOST) – Administration Minister; Mayor of Omiš
Outgoing Foreign Minister Miro Kovač said he would remain in Parliament and denied rumours that he will be sent to Washington as ambassador. Outgoing Culture Minister Zlatko Hasanbegović commented on the fact that he would be replaced. “It is well known what HDZ supporters and voters think about it. We all know who is Ms. Obuljen, and to which circles she belongs. Mr. Plenković had the right to make his choice. The political life will continue. I have been elected as an MP and I will continue with my political activities, faithful to the God and people who elected me”, said Hasanbegović who lobbied intensively in recent weeks to remain in his post. He had the support of certain veterans’ associations and rightwing circles, which actively and unsuccessfully lobbied against Obuljen.
