Prime Minister Andrej Plenković paid tribute to the victims of all totalitarian and authoritarian regimes and ideologies at Mirogoj Cemetery in Zagreb. He emphasized that Croatia unequivocally condemns the crimes committed in the name of totalitarian regimes and undemocratic ideologies on the occasion of European Day of Remembrance for the Victims of All Totalitarian and Authoritarian Regimes.
In its fourth decade of independence, Croatia, as a free and democratic nation firmly integrated into the European Union and NATO, upholds a culture of remembrance, honours all victims, and unequivocally condemns all crimes committed by totalitarian regimes and undemocratic ideologies.
We remember all innocent victims and strive to raise awareness about the darkest chapters of European history, particularly for the sake of future generations. It is crucial for young people to be informed about the key periods in Croatian and European history and to understand the evil inflicted by totalitarian and authoritarian ideologies - fascism, Nazism, and communism.
The foundation of the Croatian state is built on the sacrifices of Croatian defenders and all those who gave their lives for freedom and defence during the Homeland War. This obliges us to build a better, more successful, and prosperous Croatia, and to strengthen global cooperation in protecting common democratic values, Plenković said.
The European Day of Remembrance for the Victims of All Totalitarian and Authoritarian Regimes was established by a European Parliament declaration in 2008 and reinforced by a 2009 European Parliament resolution on European conscience and totalitarianism. The Croatian Parliament officially recognised this day as a national memorial day in 2011.
The brutality of totalitarian systems during the 20th century led to horrific and widespread crimes, violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as the persecution and execution of political dissidents.
The PM was joined by Deputy Prime Ministers Tomo Medved and Davor Božinović, his Chief of Staff Zvonimir Frka-Petešić, and his special advisors, including academician Zvonko Kusić, Mate Granić, and Sara Lustig.
Text: Hina/Government
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