Zagreb - The Croatian Parliament marked its day on Tuesday, with Speaker Gordan Jandroković recalling that on 8 October 1991, one of the most significant sessions in the history of the Sabor was held.
On that day, in the basement of the INA energy company's building, the Sabor unanimously adopted a decision to sever all state-legal ties between Croatia and the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Jandroković recalled during a formal session attended by members of the government, including the prime minister, though about 30 MPs were absent.
Jandroković said that decision was "one of those that laid the foundations and determined the future of the sovereign and democratic Republic of Croatia."
He said the modern Croatian state would not exist without the courage and sacrifice of all those who defended it - defenders, soldiers, police officers, and their families.
During those crucial moments, Croatia had a political leadership capable of guiding the country towards freedom and independence, he said. "Despite the extremely turbulent geopolitical turmoil of that time. This is why we are so proud of them."
Jandroković also recalled that parliament's historic decision on Croatia's independence was made outside its building in St. Mark's Square due to security reasons. The day before, on 7 October, as a three-month moratorium on the constitutional decision on Croatia's sovereignty and independence and the declaration on the establishment of the independent and sovereign Croatia expired, the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) bombed the historic core of Zagreb, including the Sabor building.
"Their goal was clear: to eliminate our state leadership, thereby preventing the successful defence of Croatia and, consequently, its independence," Jandroković said, recalling that one Zagreb resident died and four were injured in the shelling.
"We cannot rule out a broader war"
He also referred to the current situation, saying that "the world is once again at a crossroads" and that "we cannot, by any means, rule out the possibility of a devastating broader-scale war."
"In such a fragile and unpredictable world, it is crucial to know where you stand, to know who you're with and on which side," he said, adding that Croatia made its strategic choices long ago and is "undoubtedly part of the Western civilisation."
"We belong to democratic nations that respect international institutions and international law, that share values of peace, freedom, multiparty systems, the rule of law, and the protection of fundamental human rights. For 15 years, we have been a member of NATO, and with our entry into the Schengen Area and the eurozone, our integration into the European Union is fully complete," Jandroković said.
These choices were not random but the result of historical experiences and our own will, and they come with rights but also obligations, he added.
"In a world that is constantly becoming more complex, commitment to our values and alliances is a matter of vital importance and national interest," he said, noting that for "a country located in a very turbulent region, it is essential to have strong allies behind it. This is achieved through reliable partnerships and readiness for solidarity."
"Sending a few officers to Germany is a symbolic gesture"
Jandroković also mentioned the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine after President Zoran Milanović's refused to allow Croatia's participation, saying that "sending a few Croatian officers to Germany is a symbolic gesture of assistance, which has nothing to do with sending our soldiers to Ukraine."
"I would like those who are hesitant about such symbolic support to reflect and ask themselves: what if tomorrow we need Allied assistance? Will we be able to count on support if we denied it when it was needed?" he said, adding that "we must not send the message that we are a partner interested only in the benefits of belonging to a group, and not in the shared responsibilities."
"For me, there is no doubt: withholding help and solidarity should not be the Croatian way," he said, expressing confidence that many in Croatia understand where inconsistency and political and security uncertainty could lead. "Responsible politicians recognise this. They must be up to the moment, no matter how sensitive it may be."
Jandroković acknowledged that the public perception of politicians is not positive, and urged those in politics not to accept this collective stigma without much resistance.
He called for strong support in the fight against corruption and all forms of crime but stressed that this should not be done through political gamesmanship, but by genuinely strengthening institutions and affirming their independence.
A call on youth to engage in political life
Jandroković urged young people to get involved in politics, saying that it is not a dishonourable profession, even though some may try to portray it as such. "Politics offers the possibility to change society for the better. That is why I encourage young people to get involved in political life as much as possible."
Before the formal Sabor session, Jandroković led a parliamentary delegation to lay wreaths and light candles at the Mirogoj Cemetery.