ZAGREB, 2 November, 2021 - Defence Minister Mario Banožić said in Vukovar on Tuesday it was time to remove President Zoran Milanović from office after they once again clashed over the army and their powers and decisions.
Speaking to the press, Banožić said Milanović was "a psychiatric case." Asked if it was time Milanović was removed from office, he said, "Of course it is. It was a long time ago, but look at his conduct. Would you reach a different conclusion than what I said?"
He would not say if the ruling HDZ party would initiate the president's impeachment.
This morning the two attended a ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of the fall of Lužac.
Banožić said he had not wanted to speak about his conflict with the president because it was neither the time nor the place.
"However, Milanović, disrespecting Vukovar's suffering, did a performance here, just another one in which he was slinging mud at me, the HDZ and the whole defence system, pulling us into games of petty politicking."
Banožić said that while he and his team attended a memorial service for the victims, Milanović went for a coffee with Vukovar Mayor Ivan Penava.
That is the best proof of what Milanović does as the president, he does not deal with the state and the law, but engages in "petty partisanship with some semi-politician in an attempt to revive power and himself," Banožić said.
He added that the president was using "street talk" and doing international damage to Croatia. "He is a man without character. Calling someone derogatory names, a liar, a cigarette butt, (saying) that he will retire someone, that speaks best to the mental state he is in."
Banožić said Milanović was Croatia's worst prime minister and now the worst president trying to keep above everyone. He distorts the law as it suits him and is not a man who should represent Croats in the world, he added. "Shame on him for everything he said today."
Milanović is bringing politics into the army and is now doing it via the Chief of the General Staff, Robert Hranj, he said, referring to an incident last week when he was not allowed to address conscripts.
"Do you know how many times generals were banned from laying a wreath with me? Generals were banned from laying a wreath with the minister of defence. What is that other than the pathetic policy of a man full of complexes?," Banožić said.
He added that he was receiving many insults to the effect that he was a liar, so he will release documents showing how Milanović does not respect the Defence Act.
