PHOTOS: Zoran Milanović sworn in as Croatian president
- by croatiaweek
- in News
(Photo: HINA/ POOL/ Damir SENČAR)
Zoran Milanović was officially inaugurated as the President of Croatia for a second five-year term on Tuesday.
The ceremony took place at the Presidential Office in Zagreb, making it the second inauguration held at this location.
(Photo: HINA/ POOL/ Damir SENČAR)
The event began with Klapa HRM “Sveti Juraj” performing the Croatian national anthem. Milanović then took his oath of office in front of Miroslav Šeparović, the President of the Constitutional Court.
He concluded his oath with the traditional phrase, “So help me God,” before signing the official document.
(Photo: HINA/ POOL/ Damir SENČAR)
Key Messages from Milanović’s Speech
During his address, Milanović highlighted the importance of national security and prioritising Croatia’s interests.
(Photo: HINA/ POOL/ Damir SENČAR)
He stressed that no achievement in Croatia’s history was ever given freely but was earned by its people. He paid tribute to those who defended the country, stating, “We can never repay the debt to those who protected us from aggression, but this is not a tribute to war—it is a tribute to freedom.”
He also spoke about economic challenges, acknowledging that despite GDP growth, too many people still live in poverty. He emphasised the need for independent institutions and media as safeguards against tyranny.
(Photo: HINA/ POOL/ Damir SENČAR)
Milanović reaffirmed Croatia’s responsibility toward Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina, calling it a “historical and moral duty.” He also warned against glorifying dark chapters of history and urged the nation to stay sceptical and mindful of future global conflicts.
A Call for Economic Self-Sufficiency
The President touched on defence spending, cautioning against prioritising arms procurement over investments in science, culture, and sports. “What are we protecting if we don’t invest in what makes us a small but proud nation?” he asked.
(Photo: HINA/ POOL/ Damir SENČAR)
He also called for a stronger domestic industry to reduce reliance on imports. “Let’s use Croatian ingenuity and industry so that we don’t import what we can produce ourselves—and I don’t just mean weapons,” he stated. He ended his speech with the words, “Živjeli, and long live our Croatia!”
Cultural Performances and Guests
The ceremony featured several musical performances, including student Chritzel Renae Aceveda singing the traditional Međimurje song “Dej mi Bože oči sokolove,” followed by LADO Ensemble performing selections from Slavonska kraljica. Klapa Trogir and Sinjska Klapa also took the stage with “Bodulska balada” and “Cetina,” respectively.
(Photo: HINA/ POOL/ Damir SENČAR)
(Photo: HINA/ POOL/ Damir SENČAR)
(Photo: HINA/ POOL/ Damir SENČAR)
Former Croatian Presidents Ivo Josipović, Stipe Mesić, and Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović attended the event, as did retired generals Ante Gotovina and Mladen Markač. Gotovina, despite media interest, declined to give any statements to reporters upon arrival.
(Photo: HINA/ POOL/ Damir SENČAR)
(Photo: HINA/ POOL/ Damir SENČAR)
(Photo: HINA/ POOL/ Damir SENČAR)
(Photo: HINA/ POOL/ Damir SENČAR)
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, Speaker of Parliament Gordan Jandroković, and Deputy Speaker Željko Reiner were invited, but as per HDZ’s decision, Jandroković and Reiner sent their apologies while Plenković was on an official visit to Egypt.
Video below.
