The Croatian Parliament on Friday voted to approve Alen Ružić as the new Minister of Labor, Pension System, Family, and Social Policy, replacing Marin Piletić. The vote, held shortly after noon, comes amid a political crisis triggered by a video of Democratic Party (DP) lawmaker Josip Dabro singing a song praising World War II-era fascist leader Ante Pavelić.
The footage sparked outrage among coalition partners. Dario Hrebak, head of the HSLS party, threatened to leave the governing coalition, demanding a 30-day “reset” of the parliamentary majority.
Ružić, former director of Rijeka Clinical Hospital Centre and a cardiologist with extensive professional and academic experience, received 77 votes in favor, 56 against, and none abstaining.
Tensions in Parliament escalated during the session. Dabro was barred from debate after receiving his third warning for procedural violations during a heated exchange with Marijana Puljak of the Center party. Puljak confronted Dabro over his controversial singing and presented him with a book on wartime atrocities, prompting further arguments on the chamber floor.
Other lawmakers expressed frustration with the ongoing disputes. Nino Raspudić and Sabina Glasovac called for pauses in proceedings, while Miro Bulj criticized the government and the Croatian National Bank for failing to protect citizens from excessive banking fees.
The session also addressed rejected amendments related to early childhood education and transparency in political advertising. Opposition parties said the government had sidelined debate in favor of immediate voting.
Puljak accused Prime Minister Andrej Plenković of fostering ideological division in Croatia, saying his pursuit of power had “radicalized society” over the past decade. Stipo Mlinarić of the DP defended his party’s coalition role, stating they had achieved their goals without coercion.
Ružić’s appointment follows parliamentary committee approvals earlier in the week, and he was sworn in immediately after the vote.
The parliamentary majority remains fragile, with party tensions exposed by the debate over Dabro’s actions and Hrebak’s ultimatum.