"What freedom meant in the past, today it is smart positioning in new circumstances in which you are able to manage your main resource, tourism, reduce the unemployment and raise employment, taking into account those who have given the most for this freedom and they are Croatian soldiers," the premier said while addressing a special session of Dubrovnik's city assembly on the occasion of the Day of City celebrated during the Feast of city's patron-saint, St. Blaise, which falls on 3 February.
He said that the synergy achieved between local authorities and the government was a boost to the continuation of cooperation, primarily for the completion of the project of construction of Peljesac Bridge.
Mayor Mato Frankovic said that the city had prepared a high budget for 2020 to make sure that all parts of the city could reach the same living standards. He cited investments in housing, education and sports infrastructure.
"We are also defining new criteria for managing tourist trade," the mayor said, adding that "we also know how to absorb EU funds, and we have ensured over 100 million kuna in non-repayble funds."
The official opening ceremony for the feast is set for Sunday afternoon.
Text: Hina