Watch '240 Seconds' 24 hours: Raos admitted to draining millions from the Ski Federation

In a recent interview with Croatian media outlet 24sata, former Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor, known colloquially as "Raos," admitted that her government had mismanaged funds from the Ski Association, reportedly extracting millions in questionable transactions during her tenure. The revelations came amid growing scrutiny over public finances and corruption allegations tied to her administration, which governed Croatia from 2009 to 2011. The admission was made during a segment titled “240 seconds,” a nightly news summary broadcast on CMC channel and online platforms affiliated with 24sata and Večernji list. The segment, which runs daily at 9 p.m., has become a key platform for delivering breaking news and exclusive interviews. Kosor’s comments were part of a broader discussion about financial irregularities within state institutions, particularly focusing on the Ski Association, a body responsible for overseeing winter sports and related infrastructure. According to Kosor, the association had been underfunded for years, leading to desperate measures to secure resources. She claimed that these actions were taken to ensure continuity in funding for athletes and facilities, though she did not specify how exactly the money was extracted or whether it violated legal procedures. Her remarks have sparked renewed interest in auditing the association's accounts and reviewing past financial decisions made during her time in office. The Ski Association, established in the early 1990s, has long been a point of contention among sports officials and politicians. It receives public funding through annual budgets approved by the Ministry of Sports and Tourism. Over the years, questions have arisen regarding transparency in its operations, including the allocation of grants and the management of sponsorships. In 2013, an internal audit found discrepancies in several financial reports, though no criminal charges were filed at the time. Since then, the organization has faced periodic investigations, often linked to political changes and shifts in leadership. Kosor’s admission comes at a sensitive moment for Croatian politics, as the country continues to grapple with issues of accountability and reform. Recent elections have brought new leaders into power, many of whom have pledged to address systemic corruption and improve governance. The revelation of potential misconduct involving a prominent former leader could influence ongoing debates about the need for stricter oversight mechanisms and more transparent financial practices in public institutions. Several individuals and organizations have expressed concern over the implications of Kosor’s statements. Representatives from the current government have called for an independent review of all financial dealings involving the Ski Association during the relevant period. Meanwhile, members of the opposition have used the opportunity to highlight broader concerns about the lack of accountability in previous administrations. Some critics argue that the issue reflects deeper problems within the structure of public financing for sports and cultural activities in Croatia. Legal experts have noted that while Kosor’s comments suggest possible violations of financial regulations, they do not constitute direct evidence of wrongdoing. To determine whether any laws were broken, investigators would need to examine specific documents and conduct interviews with relevant parties. This process could take months or even years, depending on the complexity of the case and the availability of information. As the situation unfolds, attention will likely shift toward the role of the Ski Association in national sports policy and the extent to which it has been influenced by political agendas. The association’s board, currently chaired by a member of the ruling party, has yet to comment publicly on the allegations. However, some analysts believe that the controversy could lead to calls for restructuring the organization or implementing new safeguards to prevent similar incidents in the future.