Grmoja called out both Milanovic and Plenkovic, and received a rarely sarcastic response: "Brilliant... "

President of Most, Nikola Grmoja, has once again called for the deployment of the military along Croatia’s borders, citing the mass entry of Moroccans into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, while Prime Minister Andrej Plenković emphasized that national security falls under the jurisdiction of the police, not the armed forces. The dispute highlights deepening tensions over migration policy and the role of state institutions in safeguarding national sovereignty. The call for military involvement came during a public statement by Grmoja, who accused the government of failing to take decisive action against illegal border crossings. He pointed to Spain's response to the influx of over 60,000 Moroccans into Ceuta, where the military was deployed to set up barriers at sea. Grmoja argued that countries along migrant routes must send clear, deterrent messages, warning that without such measures, there would be neither panic nor political points, meaning, he implied, that the issue is being ignored despite its real threat. Grmoja urged the president and the government to deploy the military to key border locations, demanding zero tolerance for unauthorized crossings and a strategic distribution of troops. He criticized Minister Ivan Anušić for stating that the military is unnecessary at the border, accusing him of aligning with the Brussels-based faction within the ruling party, HDZ. Grmoja further claimed that the law allowing the military to assist the police in border protection was enacted in 2016 when Most was part of the governing coalition, suggesting that current officials are undermining this legal framework. He also targeted President Zoran Milanović, accusing him of mocking Miru Bulja, a former minister who proposed sending the military to the border. Grmoja suggested that anyone who dismissed the military’s role should “swallow their pride” and admit they were wrong. He stressed that national security, particularly the safety of Croatian families, women, and children, hinges heavily on the country’s ethnic homogeneity. He contrasted Croatia with nations like Poland and Hungary, which he described as among the safest due to their homogeneous populations. Grmoja rejected claims that his party uses migration issues to gain political capital, insisting that the call for military support has been ongoing for years. He cited examples from England, France, and Germany, urging ministers Božinović and Anušić to recognize the growing crisis. Despite data from the Ministry of Interior showing a 76% drop in illegal border crossings, from 69,726 in 2023 to 16,409 in 2025, Grmoja warned that a new crisis could still erupt, possibly involving neighboring states like Bosnia and Herzegovina, where Russian influence and the use of migration as a political tool have raised concerns. In response, Prime Minister Plenković reaffirmed that the police, not the military, are responsible for securing Croatia’s borders. He noted that the situation regarding illegal immigration in Croatia is incomparable to that in Spain, emphasizing that the police have the necessary tools and authority to manage the issue effectively. Plenković did not directly address the call for military intervention, instead focusing on the existing capabilities of law enforcement agencies. The debate reflects broader ideological divides within Croatia’s political landscape, with Grmoja representing a hardline stance on border control and national identity, while Plenković advocates for a more pragmatic approach aligned with EU norms. As the discussion continues, both sides remain entrenched in their positions, with no immediate indication of compromise. The situation is likely to evolve as new developments unfold, particularly in light of potential shifts in regional dynamics and international pressures.