INTERVIEW WITH DRAGAN PRIMORAC
Monday, 20 January 2025 15:38
1. You were the first politician who declared the war to corruption in Croatia. It is a very brave gesture taking in consideration how much the corruption is present in Croatia.
No society in the world is free of corruption. In 2008, as the minister of science, education, and sports I have signed a Declaration on fighting corruption with the Whistleblower Association. According to the president of the Whistleblower Association, Mrs. Balenović, by then jointly, we solved more than 40 different cases. Today, I am no less committed to the relentless fight against corruption. No one involved in any form of corruption can be seen as a patriot. As the President, I will use the powers granted by the Constitution to support all steps state authorities take toward eradicating corruption in Croatia. Every person who commits corruption has his own name and should be held accountable for that.
2.Your presidential program has been accepted from a number of important parties in Croatia because it is based on future projects that will provide opportunity for young generations.
I am honored by that support. It reflects a shared commitment to building a future focused on projects that create opportunities for young generations. As I’ve highlighted throughout my campaign, investing in education, research, and innovation is essential for securing a prosperous future for Croatia. By nurturing a knowledge-based society and strengthening our international partnerships, we can empower our youth with the skills necessary to succeed in a globalized world. Croatia is ready to lay the foundations for a leap into the 22nd century. I promise to do everything in my power to contribute to a better, safer, and more prosperous future for the next generation.
3. People in Croatia now hava a candidate for new President with such impressive CV that nobody had before . You are forensic expert, geneticist, pediatrician, the first "Global Penn State University Ambassador", being on the list of 2% of world top scientists for career long and single year impact ,working as professor on 10 Universities .You are author of almost 300 scientific papers and 20 books, and active participant at 150 conferences all over the world... With that CV why did you accept Croatian Democratic union and other parties invitation to be their candidate for a president?
That is a great opportunity to do more for Croatia. Our future is undoubtedly shaped by the actions we take today. While it may be tempting to stay in our comfort zones, true change only occurs when we step outside of them. My experience in politics, education, science, medicine, entrepreneurship, and sports has brought about a deep understanding of the global challenges ahead. Having already joined NATO, Schengen, and the Eurozone, Croatia's next goal is to become a member of the OECD. Working closely with the Government, I will do everything in my power to accelerate this process.
4. When you served as Minister of science education and sports you said that you want all young people in Croatia to be instructed and educated on the best way to prepare them for future. What is your aim to achieve as a President?
During my tenure as Minister of Science, Education, and Sports in Croatia, we took a number significant steps towards transforming our country into a “knowledge-based society.” Like many other nations, Croatia faces the dual challenge of building a sustainable economy in a globalized world while ensuring a secure future for its people. It has always been evident that the most effective way to secure Croatia's long-term future is by investing in education and strengthening our research and innovation sectors. As President, I will strongly support the policy of increasing the number of highly skilled and globally competent young adults prepared to become effective leaders of tomorrow. In today's world, access to information is not the problem—rather, it's the overwhelming volume of information. As a response, we should insist on fostering critical thinking skills among the youth.
5.There are 7 important parties who are supporting your election for new President in Croatia
I am deeply honored and grateful to all the parties that have supported me, making this “project of changes” possible. These parties span a range of ideologies, but the sole purpose that unites us is to position Croatia where it rightfully belongs. My political stance is that we must unite to build a stronger, more respected Croatia globally, with a higher standard of living, greater security, and lasting stability. Anyone who shares this vision and is committed to achieving this goal is welcome to join us. The people want a president who listens, understands, and acts on their needs. Croatia is a nation built on unity, and I firmly believe that unity is the only path forward.
6. What are you planning to change in Croatia?
My major role will be to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the Republic of Croatia. I plan to restore the dignity of the presidential office and to intensify collaboration with the Government on all important issues in society. I will advocate for the independence of the media, one of the key pillars of a truly democratic society. I will prioritize investments in judicial infrastructure, digitalization, and improving public sector wages. In collaboration with the government, we will develop a comprehensive defense strategy and a long-term plan for the advancement of Croatia’s armed forces.
My vision is to build sustainable, interconnected communities while strengthening public healthcare. While our borders should remain open to those who wish to enter legally, we must take a firm stance against illegal crossings. Additionally, I will work to establish diplomatic missions in strategically important countries and regions to enhance our international presence.
My goal is not only to retain our brightest and most talented youth within Croatia but also to ensure that their knowledge and innovations contribute to the world through high-quality products.
Furthermore, Croatia must invest in building a modern, fast, and accessible digital infrastructure, which will be crucial for the development of new industries and the overall growth of our economy.
Inasmuch as I like sports, and know their importance, I am committed to supporting the hosting of major global sporting events in Croatia, which will significantly increase our country’s global recognition.
These are some of the changes I will prioritize to ensure a safe and prosperous future for my country.
7. Croatians are complaining on extremely high prices that have increased after changing Kuna to EUR
A closer analysis of price trends reveals that the highest inflation rates occurred at the onset of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, resulting in a sharp rise in energy prices. Inflation began to decrease in the autumn of 2022, before the introduction of the Euro. The Euro was adopted in January 2023, and throughout that year, inflation reached 3%.
At present, the Croatian Government is working to raise wages and pensions to improve citizens' standard of living, while also addressing significant price increases through various aid packages. In my view, they are doing an exceptional job, as demonstrated by the recent upgrade of our credit rating to the historically high level of A-. This upgrade reflects our strong economic standing and will bring positive outcomes for all.
8. The other problem is the immigration issue. Now Croatia has become the first EU country on the borders of EU. Frontex is still not giving enough financing for keeping the borders from illegal immigrants.
The issue of immigration is a complex one, particularly for Croatia which now holds the longest external border in the EU. While our borders should remain open to those who wish to enter legally, we must take a firm stance against illegal crossings. I will continue to advocate for adequate funding from Frontex to support border management, and I am confident that through constructive dialogue and cooperation with EU institutions, we can develop effective solutions. A unified strategic approach is essential to ensure the safety and security of both our nation and the EU, while also addressing the humanitarian concerns related to immigration. By strengthening our partnerships within the EU and pooling resources, we can better navigate the complexities of immigration while safeguarding our borders. This collaborative effort will not only benefit Croatia but also enhance the overall stability of the EU.
9.There is a war in Ukraine, war between Israel and Palestina, what is your opinion about these world security crises.
Having come from a war-torn country that endured tremendous losses, I have always and will continue to condemn any act of aggression. I believe the ongoing conflict in Ukraine is not just a regional issue but a global crisis that threatens the stability of Europe and the world. As a member of NATO and the European Union, Croatia has a responsibility to uphold international law and the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. We must remain committed to these values, continuing to provide humanitarian aid and support for Ukraine, while working with our allies to apply diplomatic and economic pressure on those who breach international norms. Above all, I will consistently advocate for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, prioritizing dialogue and diplomacy, and I sincerely hope the same approach will be taken in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
10.You were one of the first politicians who congratulate President Trump on winning the elections. You have very good relations with his team.
Building strong, positive relationships with global leaders has always been a priority for me. The longstanding friendship between Croatia and the United States is something I highly value, and I am eager to strengthen that relationship during President Trump’s term in office.
11.Some of your family members studied at the Bocconi. You have collaborated with many Italian scientists. How do you see the further relations with that neighbor country.
I deeply appreciate the strong relationship I have built with many Italian colleagues. You are right; my daughter graduated from Bocconi, which is a testament to the high regard I hold for this esteemed institution. Looking ahead, I am dedicated to further enhancing our bilateral ties with Italy, fostering more opportunities for cooperation in education, research, and business, and expanding cultural and academic exchanges between our two countries.
Professor Dragan Primorac, M.D., Ph.D., is a pediatrician, geneticist, and forensic expert witness. He became the first recipient of the title “Global Penn State University Ambassador” since the University was established in 1855. According to one of the leading World publishers, Elsevier BV, Prof. Primorac, for the last four years, has been on the list of 2% of top world scientists for career-long and single-year impact.
Matteo Salvini fuori dall'aula bunker del carcere Pagliarelli di Palermo, 20 dicembre 2024 (Igor Petyx/Ansa)