Zagreb – At a ceremony marking Croatian Sabor Day on Tuesday Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković gave a speech in which he emphasized that the country's legislative body, the parliament, had to continue working on ensuring political stability and advancing legislation, calling on MPs to demonstrate unity regarding the accomplishment of state and national interests just as they demonstrated unity on European topics, and to cooperate in ensuring political stability and strengthening state institutions as well as economic growth and development.
He recalled that Croatian Sabor Day was marked in memory of the inauguration of the first democratically elected multi-party parliament on 30 May 1990.
- The memory of that day and the enthusiasm among Croatians is still alive as is the memory of all events that followed in the creation of today's Croatia. On that day, Croatia made a step towards the accomplishment of its centuries-long aspiration for democratic transformation, freedom and independence. Or, as the first Croatian President Franjo Tudjman put it in his speech at the Sabor's inaugural session: 'Croatia has made the first step towards the return of the Croatian people and its state to the European civilizational, political, cultural and economic tradition'. I would add to this the Christian tradition and universal values of humanism," Jandroković said.
He noted that it was not possible to speak about the country's freedom, democracy and parliamentarism without mentioning the sacrifice of Croatian Homeland War defenders, without whom, he said, there would be no Croatian parliament and no multi-party system.
- We have defended the homeland, ensured Croatia's international recognition, become a reputable member of the largest international organizations and secured our well-deserved place in the international order. Finally, we have accomplished the strategic goal of joining the EU and NATO, he added.
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, the most senior judicial officials, former parliament speakers, religious dignitaries, members of parliament, army generals, members of the diplomatic corps, and many other public and political figures attended the ceremony.
On the occasion of Croatian Parliament Day, Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković and parliamentary delegation also laid wreaths and lit candles at the Wall of Pain and the Central Cross at Zagreb's central Mirogoj Cemetery and the City Crematorium in honour of fallen Croatian veterans as well as laying a wreath at the grave of Croatia's first president Franjo Tuđman.