ZAGREB, 16 December, 2021 - SDP leader Peđa Grbin said on Wednesday that the government could and should have managed the coronavirus pandemic better, and that by refusing to have related decisions adopted by a two-thirds majority in parliament, it had taken over responsibility for the further increase in COVID-19 deaths.
"The government has not been dealing well with the disease either economy-wise or health-wise. Croatia's vaccination rate is among the lowest in Europe and the consequence of that is the spreading of the disease and new fatalities," Grbin said.
Rational decisions are still possible
"We are telling the government again that it is still possible to do some things differently. It is still possible to find a way to explain to people why they should get vaccinated and protect themselves. It is still possible to make rational decisions instead of allowing confusion as to why COVID-19 certificates are necessary to enter a library but not a bar," he said, noting that this was why they had asked that decisions on restrictions that would otherwise not be usual or acceptable be adopted by a two-thirds majority.
By rejecting that request, the ruling majority has assumed exclusive responsibility for the further increase in coronavirus-related fatalities and patients in intensive care as well as for other patients not receiving adequate care, he said.
Commenting on an incident in parliament which happened earlier in the day, involving him and Bridge party MPs, Grbin said that such scenes were inappropriate.
"Parliament is a place where we confront our views and where sometimes we give each other unflattering attributes, but the moment we become office-holders, we accept to hear harsh words about ourselves," he said.
Bridge referendum campaign politically motivated
Speaking of a referendum campaign against the COVID-19 certificate mandate, launched by the Bridge party, Grbin said that it would not result in fewer infections or fatalities and was motivated by political gain.
Commenting on today's protest of opponents of COVID certificates outside the parliament building, Grbin said that it was due to the fact that people do not know what is going on and are afraid while the government has made it possible for people to trust fake news more than they trust health institutions.
"It is irresponsible and flippant to declare the pandemic over three times, that's what has resulted in dissatisfaction and confusion about the restrictions. That inconsistent policy has led to a large number of infections and deaths as well as the current resistance. People need to be educated, one must work with them and be patient in doing so while the HDZ and Andrej Plenković are not ready for that," said Grbin.
Asked to comment on the protesters shouting "HDZ thieves, SDP faggots", Grbin said that neither was an insult because "what was said about the HDZ is the truth and I do not consider being called a homosexual an insult."
