Croatian President Zoran Milanović criticized Prime Minister Andrej Plenković on Wednesday over attempts to contact him regarding membership in U.S. President Donald Trump’s Peace Committee, saying he suspected the premier was seeking his support to deliver a “no” vote.
Speaking to reporters after Plenković and government ministers held a meeting with county officials in Northern Croatia, Milanović said Plenković had tried to reach him overnight through intermediaries and again on Wednesday morning. The president added that there had been no formal consultations between him and the prime minister regarding the committee.
“I don’t know why he called twice. I don’t know his exact position, but I will speak with him today,” Milanović said, adding that Plenković was busy and that his aides had attempted to contact him.
Plenković, addressing the media after the Northern Croatia Development Agreement meeting, said that during the World Economic Forum in Davos, he had stressed that the U.S. initiative required natural consultation between the government and the president. He said the government had taken a clear position before going public and intended to consult Milanović as well.
“We have two options: either escalate the tone in our otherwise good relationship, or wait and try to speak during the day,” Plenković said, noting he would be in parliament later Wednesday. He also indicated that some countries had been invited to the committee while others had not.
When asked whether he would discuss the Supreme Court with Milanović, Plenković said, “We can discuss whatever he wants,” but added that he did not wish to comment further on the president.
Milanović described the committee as a “hot and sticky potato,” suggesting that Plenković now sought his involvement to resolve the issue. “Why is he even pushing into this? He decides and plans everything himself,” the president said, questioning why his opinion should matter.
Milanović also emphasized that the committee fell under the United Nations Security Council’s mandate and that Croatia’s role raised questions that, according to him, were not meant for public discussion.
“If Plenković needs me for this, I will help — but then we should negotiate,” Milanović added, jokingly, while stressing he would not “stab the prime minister in the back.”