Croatian Deputy Prime Minister Josip Dabro Resigns Amid Gun-Firing Scandal
Croatian Deputy Prime Minister Josip Dabro, a prominent figure in the nationalist Homeland Movement, has stepped down from his position after a controversial video surfaced showing him firing a pistol from a moving car. The footage, published by the daily Jutarnji List, has sparked widespread outrage and raised questions about the stability of Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic‘s coalition government.
The video captures dabro sitting in the passenger seat of a car, singing to loud music, and firing a handgun into the darkness. Lights in the distance suggest the incident occured near an inhabited area. In his resignation statement posted on Facebook, Dabro acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, “I hereby submit my irrevocable resignation.” He added, “I am aware that these circumstances create an additional burden for the government and my party. My personal situation should not distract the government and the ministry from their priorities or delay necessary reforms.”
Dabro, who also served as Agriculture Minister, claimed the video was filmed several years ago and that he was using training bullets. However, the government labeled his actions as “inappropriate and irresponsible.” This incident is the latest in a series of controversies plaguing Plenkovic’s cabinet, following the dismissal of Health Minister Vili Bros in November over a corruption probe.The Homeland Movement, known for its nationalist, anti-immigration, and anti-LGBT stance, has been a key coalition partner of Plenkovic’s HDZ party since May 2024. Despite the scandal, Ivan Penava, the leader of the Homeland Movement, assured the public that the coalition remains “stable.” He defended Dabro, stating the video “was private and was sent to people who Mr. Dabro thought were his friends … At no point did he put anyone’s life in danger.”
Dabro’s resignation has cast a spotlight on the challenges facing croatia’s government as it navigates internal strife and public scrutiny.
| key Details | Summary |
|——————|————-|
| Official | Josip Dabro, Deputy Prime Minister and Agriculture Minister |
| Party | Homeland movement (nationalist hard-right party) |
| Incident | Firing a pistol from a moving car |
| Resignation Statement | “I hereby submit my irrevocable resignation.” |
| Government response | “Inappropriate and irresponsible” |
| Coalition Status | Remains “stable,” according to Ivan Penava |
The fallout from this incident underscores the delicate balance within Croatia’s political landscape, as leaders grapple with personal scandals and their broader implications for governance.
croatian Political Crisis: Expert Analysis on Josip Dabro’s Resignation and Coalition Stability
The recent resignation of Croatian Deputy Prime Minister Josip Dabro has sent shockwaves through the country’s political landscape. A prominent figure in the nationalist Homeland Movement, Dabro stepped down after a controversial video surfaced showing him firing a pistol from a moving car. The incident, which has sparked widespread outrage, raises questions about the stability of Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic’s coalition government.To delve deeper into the implications of this scandal, we spoke with Dr.Marko Vukovic, a political analyst and expert on Croatian politics.
