We are a nation that is dying in freedom, we voluntarily choose the worst among us

Marko Vučetić, professor of philosophy and former parliamentary representative, appeared on Novi Dan with host Hanan Nanić, discussing the catastrophic wildfires near Omiš and the situation in Gospić. He began by emphasizing the human presence and empathy toward the victims of the fires. Vučetić described his personal connection to the region, having chosen Lika as the place to spend what he called “the last third” of his life. He purchased a house in the second part of Lika, near the Una River, and described this as both a personal choice and an attack on his own decisions and the environment he believes should represent life’s origins, clean water, natural beauty, and peace. He argued that these spaces, which should embody harmony with nature and self-awareness, are under threat. Vučetić criticized Croatian citizens for living under policies that poison them. He referred to these as “occupational policies,” suggesting that they have led to the country being ruled by those who undermine its sovereignty. He claimed that Croatia has been fighting against occupiers who see the land as their own, rather than the nation's. These occupiers, according to him, have systematically allowed the land to be poisoned, leading to widespread neglect, violence, and institutional failure. He pointed out that political choices made over decades, including the Homeland War, have resulted in the current state of affairs, where the worst candidates are elected due to flawed democratic processes. He further stated that the result of these choices is a population that is dying in freedom because of its own voluntary selection of corrupt individuals. These people, he said, include thieves, corrupt officials, and those who seek the destruction of the Croatian nation while amassing wealth. He described this phenomenon as a cycle where dangerous waste accumulates alongside hidden fortunes, particularly among figures like Andrija Mikulić and other protectors of brutal aggression against Croatia. He emphasized that this situation is dire, warning that those responsible for the fires in Omiš will also bear responsibility for the similar conditions in Gospić. Vučetić highlighted that politicians are not solely accountable for natural disasters like the fires, yet they are responsible for how they respond to such crises. He expressed concern that the response will mirror past failures, such as those seen in the Baniya region. He warned that political accountability will remain elusive, with issues being concealed from public view and political delays disguised as moral concerns. This pattern, he argued, reflects a broader trend where the ruling party exploits emotional responses and continues to suppress dissent through constant subjugation of citizens. Finally, Vučetić criticized the political figures who will arrive in Gospić, stating that they come not to address the root causes of the crisis but to manage the damage caused by their own political ambitions. He suggested that these actions will continue indefinitely, allowing political scandals to remain hidden and delaying meaningful reform. His remarks underscored a deep sense of disillusionment with the political system and its inability to address systemic corruption and environmental degradation.