Josip Dabro, Croatia's Deputy Prime Minister, has resigned after a video surfaced showing him shooting from a moving car. Representing the hard-right Homeland Movement, Dabro claims the footage is old and he used training bullets. His resignation sparks discussions about government responsibility amid rising tensions in the coalition with the Croatian Democratic Union.
Controversial Resignation of Croatian Deputy PM Following Gun Incident
Controversial Resignation of Croatian Deputy PM Following Gun Incident
The resignation of Josip Dabro highlights ongoing tensions within Croatia's coalition government, revealing deeper issues in political accountability and public safety.
In a dramatic turn of events in Croatian politics, Deputy Prime Minister Josip Dabro has announced his resignation following the public release of a video depicting him firing a gun from a moving car. In the footage, Dabro, a member of the far-right nationalist party Homeland Movement, is seen laughing and singing along to music before he picks up a pistol and discharges rounds through an open window into the night.
Dabro responded to the backlash by stating that the video was recorded several years ago and claimed he was using training bullets. Despite his defense, the incident has been deemed "inappropriate and irresponsible" by the government, further complicating the dynamics of Croatia's coalition government formed in May 2024.
In his resignation post on Facebook, Dabro expressed a desire not to distract from the government's focus, especially as he faced criticism and "significant pressure" linked to planned reforms in the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, which he also led. The video's emergence has sparked discussions regarding the accountability of public officials, particularly in light of the coalition government's stability.
This incident surfaces just months after the sacking of Health Minister Vili Bros amid a corruption investigation, highlighting a pattern of challenges for the Croatian government as it strives to maintain public trust. Adding to the political landscape, Zoran Milanovic was re-elected as president, garnering substantial support, while Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic openly criticized the president's effectiveness.
As Croatia navigates the aftermath of Dabro's controversial resignation and the implications it has for the current coalition, discussions over governance and political integrity are set to continue.
