Dabro’s actions have provoked severe criticism and concern, leading to his resignation just months after the coalition government was established.
Deputy PM Josip Dabro Resigns Following Gun-Firing Video Controversy
Deputy PM Josip Dabro Resigns Following Gun-Firing Video Controversy
Croatia's deputy prime minister vacates his position after footage of him shooting from a moving vehicle surfaces online.
In a shocking development for Croatian politics, Deputy Prime Minister Josip Dabro resigned this week following the emergence of a video in which he was seen firing a handgun from the passenger seat of a moving car. In the footage, Dabro, a member of the hard-right nationalist party, Homeland Movement, is captured laughing, chatting, and singing along to music before he takes out a pistol and shoots out of an open window into the dark.
Dabro later clarified that the video was recorded several years ago and that he was using training bullets. Nevertheless, the incident has sparked significant backlash and added to the woes of Croatia's coalition government, which was formed just last May. The administration has called Dabro's behavior "inappropriate and irresponsible," emphasizing the need for accountability during these troubling times.
In a statement shared on Facebook, Dabro, who also holds the ministerial portfolio for agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, expressed that his intention was not to create distractions for the government. He further detailed that he had experienced "significant pressure and threats" as discussions surrounding departmental reforms unfolded.
Notably, this incident comes on the heels of a high-stakes political landscape in Croatia. Just last November, Health Minister Vili Bros faced dismissal amid a corruption investigation. Additionally, a few days ago, Zoran Milanovic was re-elected as president, securing nearly 75% of the vote against nominee Dragan Primorac, affiliated with the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ). In the wake of the election results, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic criticized Milanovic, asserting that he "offers nothing" and did not extend congratulations.
As the Croatian political scene continues to evolve, the ramifications of Dabro's resignation will be closely monitored, illustrating the volatile nature of leadership in the nation.
Dabro later clarified that the video was recorded several years ago and that he was using training bullets. Nevertheless, the incident has sparked significant backlash and added to the woes of Croatia's coalition government, which was formed just last May. The administration has called Dabro's behavior "inappropriate and irresponsible," emphasizing the need for accountability during these troubling times.
In a statement shared on Facebook, Dabro, who also holds the ministerial portfolio for agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, expressed that his intention was not to create distractions for the government. He further detailed that he had experienced "significant pressure and threats" as discussions surrounding departmental reforms unfolded.
Notably, this incident comes on the heels of a high-stakes political landscape in Croatia. Just last November, Health Minister Vili Bros faced dismissal amid a corruption investigation. Additionally, a few days ago, Zoran Milanovic was re-elected as president, securing nearly 75% of the vote against nominee Dragan Primorac, affiliated with the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ). In the wake of the election results, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic criticized Milanovic, asserting that he "offers nothing" and did not extend congratulations.
As the Croatian political scene continues to evolve, the ramifications of Dabro's resignation will be closely monitored, illustrating the volatile nature of leadership in the nation.
