Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković on Tuesday addressed several current issues, including the future of the fire-damaged Vjesnik tower, diplomatic appointments, and the controversial concert of singer Marko Perković Thompson in Zagreb.
Plenković said that the prevailing view among experts is that the Vjesnik skyscraper should be demolished due to safety concerns. He highlighted that security measures have been put in place around the building, causing traffic disruptions, but stressed that public safety remains the priority.
“The question now is the methodology – how and when the building will be removed. A proper project and engagement of a professional company are required,” Plenković said, noting that costs will be covered by co-owners and insurance. He added that the government is interested in buying out other stakeholders’ shares and planning a new project for the site, potentially hosting multiple institutions or even a ministry.
On the issue of diplomatic appointments, Plenković responded to President Zoran Milanović’s remarks with irony, reiterating that the government is open to discussions on all candidates and stressing that filling positions in the diplomatic network is a priority.
Plenković also criticised the decision to ban Thompson’s concert on November 28, calling it inconsistent and politically illogical. “Allowing the concert on the 27th but not the 28th is inconsistent politically and legally… It is clear some other important issues are not priorities, so they focus on this,” he said. Plenković described the controversy as “parasitising a 35-year-old topic” and reiterated that the government does not support further polarisation on the issue.