PM, defence minister praise revived guard changing ceremony outside gov't

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and Defence Minister Damir Krsticevic on Saturday commended the revival of the changing of the guard outside the government building, with Krsticevic saying this ceremony was a symbol of the Croatian state and that its function was the promotion of the victorious Croatian army, of Croatia's tradition and identity, and that it was also a tourist attraction as in other European cities.

Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Krsticevic said he was pleased that it was revived after 17 years and that it would bring the military closer to people. He said today's ceremony showed the military's professionalism and responsibility.

The changing of the Armed Forces Honour Guard Battalion will take place every Saturday at noon until October 8.

Asked by the press if Croatia would be able to set aside 2% of GDP for defence by 2024, Krsticevic said the incumbent government had stopped the decreasing of the defence budget. "We increased the budget by 9% and have focused on the strengthening of the Croatian army."

He said the government wanted to draw up a national plan by the end of the year on how to reach the 2% target.

Krsticevic said the security situation was complex and that it called for responsibility. "Investing in defence is investing in security and one's own prosperity, because there's no development of society without security."

Asked about the procurement of combat aircraft, he said the state leadership was agreed about it. "The decision kept on being postponed and now we are examining every option for solving this problem," he said, adding that it was necessary to responsibly choose an affordable model that was good for Croatia.

Krsticevic said the Croatian army needed an air force and that Croatia, if it wanted to be a strong state, needed combat aircraft. "I believe that at the government, and with the consensus of all political groups, we will find a way to choose the best model for Croatia this year."

Prime Minister Plenkovic congratulated Krsticevic and Chief-Of-Staff Mirko Sundov on the revival of the changing of the Honour Guard Battalion, saying it would contribute to the tradition of the Croatian army among Croatians as well as to Zagreb's tourism, attracting more tourists to the capital.

The ceremony was held as part of Croatian Armed Forces Day, Croatian Army Day, and the 26th anniversary of the Armed Forces.

The first changing of the guard took place on 30 May 1991 and took place regularly until 1 October 2000, when the then government cancelled it.

Text: Hina

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