Bakić: The government has repackaged our proposals for defenders as their own

Minister of Veterans Affairs Tomo Medved announced during a televised appearance on HRT’s Central News that the government will propose legislation to abolish the reduction in veteran pensions introduced in 2002. The announcement was made ahead of the Day of Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving and the Day of Croatian Veterans, marking a symbolic moment of reconciliation with those who fought in the Homeland War. Medved emphasized that the government has already taken numerous steps over the past decade to correct injustices, particularly through collaboration with veteran organizations. He noted that the number of veterans’ centers has been expanded from four to nine, addressing legal gaps and improving support systems. Additionally, he condemned acts of vandalism against memorials dedicated to children who died during the war in Slavonski Brod, urging citizens to remember the names inscribed on these monuments. Medved expressed confidence that authorities would soon identify those responsible and pledged to restore damaged sites promptly. The proposal comes amid political tensions regarding how best to improve pension benefits for veterans. Opposition figures, including Damir Bakić, a member of the party Možemo!, have criticized the government for effectively repackaging their earlier proposals as its own initiatives. Bakić, speaking on the television program Novi Dan, stated that his party had prepared two legislative proposals aimed at enhancing the financial conditions of veterans who continued working after the war and later retired under the general pension insurance law. These proposals were initially rejected following a heated parliamentary debate, yet Bakić insisted that no one disputed the necessity of intervention. His party subsequently revised the proposals, incorporating feedback from the debate, but they were not included in the parliamentary agenda within the legally mandated timeframe. Instead, the government introduced its own version of the reform, which Bakić claims was strategically delayed to allow the administration to present its own plan first. Bakić accused the Speaker of Parliament, Gordana Jandroković, of using procedural tactics to delay the consideration of Možemo!’s proposals. According to him, once legislative proposals are technically sound, the speaker should include them in the agenda within days, not wait for the full 30-day period. Since the last session of parliament ended on July 15, the 30-day period did not begin until after, leaving Možemo!’s proposals pending while the government moved forward. Bakić argued this maneuvering allowed the government to introduce its own package before the parliament could discuss the opposition’s ideas. He described the situation as politically motivated, suggesting that the government intended to take control of the narrative and frame the reforms as its own initiative rather than building upon prior efforts. Despite the criticism, Bakić acknowledged that the government’s approach, linking pension increases to the duration of service in defending Croatia’s sovereignty, is legitimate. However, he questioned the specifics of the proposed changes, noting that it remains unclear whether the adjustments apply to current retirees or future beneficiaries. He highlighted the need for clarity on several issues, such as the scope of the reform, how the additional payments would be calculated, and whether existing retirees would qualify. Bakić also pointed out that the reform affects different categories of pensions, including those based on wartime casualties and those resulting from the death of the insured person. Without detailed information, he admitted it was difficult to fully assess the implications of the government’s proposal. Bakić further suggested that the government’s announcement during the 31st anniversary celebration of Operation Storm in Knin was a strategic move to gain public attention. While he acknowledged that discussions on improving the material condition of veterans are valid, he viewed the timing and presentation of the government’s plan as politically driven. He warned that the final evaluation of the government’s model would depend on the content of the actual legislative text, emphasizing that Možemo! would not automatically reject the proposal simply because it came from the ruling party. Instead, the party would evaluate the proposal based on its merits, regardless of its origin. As the legislative process moves forward, both sides remain engaged in dialogue. Možemo! has committed to actively participating in parliamentary debates and proposing potential amendments once the draft laws are published. Meanwhile, the government continues to push its reform agenda, aiming to address long-standing grievances among veterans while navigating the complex political landscape. The outcome of these deliberations will likely shape the future of veteran welfare in Croatia, with the balance of power and the effectiveness of the reforms remaining key points of contention.