"Platform 112 expresses its deep concern with the actions of the new government that are undermining the achieved quality of democracy and respect for human rights, and demands an urgent and unreserved end to the dissolution of democratic institutions, the collapse of the welfare state, and the endangerment of media freedom, obstruction of civil association and critical civil society," said Gordan Bosanac from the Center for Peace Studies.
After 100 days, it has become clear that the only "reform" being systematically worked on is the one aimed at transforming Croatia into an illiberal democracy in which there is no place for critical thinking, democratic pluralism of expression and pluralism of interpretations of the past, freedom of the media, respect for human rights and diversity.
"Platform 112 expresses its deep concern with the actions of the new government that are undermining the achieved quality of democracy and respect for human rights, and demands an urgent and unreserved end to the dissolution of democratic institutions, the collapse of the welfare state, and the endangerment of media freedom, obstruction of civil association and critical civil society," said Gordan Bosanac from the Center for Peace Studies.
After 100 days, it has become clear that the only "reform" being systematically worked on is the one aimed at transforming Croatia into an illiberal democracy in which there is no place for critical thinking, democratic pluralism of expression and pluralism of interpretations of the past, freedom of the media, respect for human rights and diversity.
Also, as stated in the review of the first 100 days of the Government, public condemnation and appropriate sanctioning of all pro-Ustasha phenomena in society are demanded, as well as an end to flirting with them, in which the dismissal of Minister Hasanbegović should be the first, but by no means the last, step.
Systematic political pressure on the media by the rulers seriously threatens freedom of expression, while the suppression of non-profit media seriously impairs the recognition and integration of marginalized groups and the problems they face. Through non-transparent and arbitrary procedures and on a political basis, the leaders of HRT were changed, and they continued to politicize and clericalize the programs of the public media service for all citizens. Under the auspices of preventing the spread of national and religious hatred, HRT introduced politically controlled censorship of satirical content.
"Democracy in the Republic of Croatia is getting closer to democratization, or rather, defective democracy, every day," emphasized Dragan Zelić from GONG.
Democracy is not the rule of the majority over the minority, but a system that protects all citizens and defends the rights of all minorities; a system in which the freedom of an individual ends where the rights of another person begin; a system in which individuals and groups have the right to publicly express critical views and opinions. This is what the voters chose.
"We wonder whether citizens would have voted for this government's program if they had advertised on election posters what they are doing now - weakening the welfare state, commercializing the public health system, and reducing freedom of the media and speech," said Ana Brakus from CESI.
"Prime Minister Orešković, as well as the entire ruling coalition, bear responsibility for the situation in the country and cannot hide behind individual departments. The socio-economic development of Croatia will not be possible without respecting fundamental human rights and freedoms," concluded Gordan Bosanac from CMS.
Platform's review of the first 100 days of the Government of Prime Minister Tihomir Orešković you can download it here.
