Croatia marks Statehood Day with commemorations and military display

Croatia is celebrating Statehood Day today, marking the anniversary of the constitution of the country's first democratically elected parliament on May 30, 1990.

After decades of communist rule, Croatian voters elected a multi-party legislature led by the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ). Following the swearing-in ceremony 35 years ago, thousands gathered in Zagreb's main square to celebrate the beginning of a new democratic era.

Official commemorations began this morning with delegations from Parliament and the Government laying wreaths at the Homeland Memorial.

At Medvedgrad, several delegations led by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković attended a ceremony at the Homeland Altar, where the eternal flame was lit in honor of those who contributed to the creation and defense of the modern Croatian state.

Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković emphasized the symbolic importance of the site.

"It is important to show respect, in such a symbolic way, to all those who deserve the greatest credit for Croatia's freedom. For a time, this place did not have the significance it objectively deserves, so I am pleased that we are, in a way, reviving its symbolism," he said.

Prime Minister Plenković extended Statehood Day greetings to citizens in Croatia and abroad.

"I extend my most sincere congratulations to all Croatians, all our fellow citizens, and Croatians abroad on this Statehood Day," he said.

Following the wreath-laying ceremonies, a Mass for the Homeland was celebrated at St. Mark's Church in Zagreb's Upper Town. The service was led by Archbishop Dražen Kutleša, who paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for Croatia's independence.

"We fought for and won political independence, but at great sacrifice. We owe it to the Croatian defenders and to all those who laid down their lives for their homeland. To them we owe our lasting respect, gratitude, and prayerful remembrance," Kutleša said.

Milanović's absence sparks criticism

As in previous years, President Zoran Milanović did not participate in the Statehood Day events organized by the Government and Parliament.

His decision drew criticism from Prime Minister Plenković, who accused the president of undermining national unity.

"This is a scenario of division, disunity, and a lack of respect for the most important dates in one's own country. That's something Croatian voters should think about carefully. I don't know of any other country where top officials or opposition leaders fail to respect their own national day. That is unheard of. What has been happening here in recent years is even more troubling," Plenković said.

Culture and Media Minister Nina Obuljen Koržinek also condemned the president's absence.

"I don't think there is any national leader anywhere who ignores his own country's Statehood Day. It is bad for our society and an expression of deep disrespect," she said.

Veterans honored at Lisinski ceremony

While absent from the official Statehood Day ceremonies, Milanović did attend a commemorative event at the Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall in Zagreb marking the 35th anniversary of the formation of nine Zagreb-based Croatian Army reserve brigades and the city's Veterans' Day.

Speaking at the ceremony, Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomašević paid tribute to more than 70,000 Zagreb veterans who served in the Homeland War and to those who lost their lives in combat.

"Behind each of these numbers is an individual, the fate of a particular human being, and a family. The lives of so many of our fellow citizens are intertwined with the fates of Croatian defenders," Tomašević said.

Military equipment showcased at Jarun

As part of the Statehood Day celebrations, the Croatian Armed Forces staged a large public display of military equipment at Jarun Lake in Zagreb.

The recreational area was transformed into a temporary military exhibition featuring some of the army's most modern weapons systems and vehicles.

"All around us you can see several types of Croatian Army vehicles. There are armored personnel carriers, Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, M-84 tanks, artillery systems and Patria armored vehicles — all kinds of interesting things for the public to see," Lieutenant Matija Gerčec said.