State authorities wish Croats at home and abroad a Merry Christmas

In their Christmas messages, President Zoran Milanović and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković emphasised the themes of peace, compassion and unity. They called on Croatians at home and abroad to cultivate the spirit of Christmas while reflecting on the challenges and hopes that characterise their common future.

President Zoran Milanović said in his Christmas greetings on Tuesday that he wished for peace and security in Croatian families, that everyone could live safely and carefree without worrying about tomorrow, and that he hoped peace would become a reality for the people and nations of Europe and the world.

"Christmas is just around the corner, it is a holiday that every person and every family wants to spend and celebrate in the prosperity and peace of their home and in joy with their loved ones. With respect for the Christian tradition that has characterised Croatia's strong affiliation with Western and European culture for centuries, I wish all believers in Croatia, our compatriots in Bosnia and Herzegovina and all over the world a Merry Christmas, and may it truly be the most joyful holiday for you," the President said.

"Dear Croatians at home and abroad, dear fellow citizens, on behalf of the government and on my own behalf, I wish you a Merry Christmas from the bottom of my heart - a holiday of peace and hope, deeply rooted in the traditions and customs of the Croatian people. May it bring you and your families an abundance of joy, love, mutual respect and understanding," said Prime Minister Andrej Plenković on Tuesday.

"The Christmas season is an opportunity to reflect on all that we have achieved in the past year, but also a moment to pause and contemplate the future that lies ahead," he added.

"It is our shared responsibility to continue to build a society of equal opportunities for all, based on the foundation of Christian solidarity, which enables every individual to live in dignity. May Christmas encourage us in the face of all challenges and strengthen our social sensitivity towards all those who need our help during this festive season," said the Prime Minister.

Meanwhile, Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković said that the increasingly unpredictable and world was a strong incentive for Christians to act in "solidarity with all those in poverty and fear, in isolation and on the social margins, who suffer or experience personal tragedies."

He said Christ was the symbol of "the victory of light over darkness and that good will ultimately overcome evil."

"May this Christmas bring the much-needed blessing of peace to the hearts and homes of all of Croatia," said the Speaker.