Orsat Miljenić: Plenković is destroying the rule of law. If he's satisfied with the clergy, let him change the constitution.

Former Croatian Interior Minister Ranko Ostojić has linked recent Nazi-themed incidents at a football match in Split to political grievances held by the ultras group Torcida against Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. Speaking on RTL television, Ostojić suggested that the violent displays were a calculated response to government decisions regarding stadium construction. He argued that Torcida, described as a serious organized group with a history of sending specific political messages, reacted after learning that Zagreb would receive two new stadiums while Split’s plans appeared to change. Ostojić stated that the group viewed this shift as a betrayal of previous promises, leading them to target the Prime Minister directly through their actions. The incidents occurred before a match between Hajduk Split and Ajax. During the event, members of Torcida displayed Nazi symbols and chanted slogans referencing Adolf Hitler and Anne Frank. Ostojić acknowledged the severity of these acts but maintained that the underlying motive was political retaliation. He noted that the group is well-versed in political action and does not limit itself to mere football support. While he refused to explicitly connect the two separate issues of stadium funding and the violence, he asserted that the timing and nature of the protests indicated a clear message directed at Plenković and his administration. Ostojić addressed the role of law enforcement in preventing such disturbances. He expressed confidence that police forces in Split possess adequate intelligence regarding extreme groups and have historically performed their duties effectively. However, he criticized the lack of subsequent legal consequences for offenders. According to him, the primary issue is not a failure of police capability or fear among officers, but rather the absence of strict judicial punishment following police interventions. He warned that allowing perpetrators to avoid prison or criminal prosecution demotivates law enforcement personnel and undermines public safety efforts. In contrast to the behavior of Torcida, Ostojić praised regular Hajduk fans who reportedly booed the Nazi displays. He emphasized that the club’s identity is rooted in anti-fascism and that true supporters reject fascist ideology. He argued that if the crowd had limited its behavior to standard rivalries, political figures would not have felt compelled to intervene publicly. The incident, he claimed, revealed the depths of societal tolerance for extremism, forcing a necessary confrontation with these values. Separately, Orsat Miljenić, head of the President’s Office, issued sharp criticism of the government’s handling of the situation. In an interview, he accused Prime Minister Plenković of undermining the rule of law by introducing ambiguous interpretations of the Ustaše slogan "For the Homeland, Ready." Miljenić argued that for thirty years, Croatian institutions had clear guidelines for dealing with fascist advocacy. Police initiated proceedings, and courts rendered judgments based on established norms. He claimed that the current government’s approach creates confusion within the judiciary and security services. Miljenić stated that if the government finds Ustaše ideology acceptable, it should attempt to amend the constitution with a two-thirds majority in parliament. He pointed out that while there was condemnation for shouting Hitler’s name or references to Auschwitz, he did not hear explicit condemnation of the Ustaše chants themselves. He urged the government to clarify its stance on fascism. Miljenić also discussed broader political dynamics, noting tensions in cooperation between the presidency and the cabinet. He rejected allegations from Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić regarding Croatian interference in Serbian elections, calling them nonsense, while criticizing the strategic partnership with France. Regarding his own future, Miljenić denied having immediate political ambitions for parliamentary or presidential races, though he did not entirely close the door. He affirmed his commitment to the Social Democratic Party of Croatia, stating that helping the party win is the duty of every member. He suggested that his public statements serve as assistance to the opposition. He also touched upon other national issues, including the status of ambassadors and environmental concerns in Gospić, asserting that political responsibility lies with those in power who fail to address systemic failures.