President Ivo Josipovic said in his New Year's message to Croatian citizens on Saturday that 2010 would be remembered as a difficult year whose main positive mark was the resolute fight against corruption and organised crime, and that 2011, in which he expects Croatia to find an answer to the economic crisis, should be welcomed with optimism.
"We will remember 2010 as a difficult year. Our economy caved in under the economic crisis, many lost their jobs, some worked without pay, without the possibility to provide themselves and their families a decent life. We will remember last year also as the year in which we realised the depth of the moral crisis which has made our Homeland a hotbed of corruption and organised crime. It is especially disappointing that the most horrible cases of suspected economic crimes are linked to people who held senior, even the most senior, state offices. Many citizens were rightfully embittered and angry, and have the right to expect and ask that Croatia change. Others were caught up in apathy and despair," Josipovic said.
"But in some way, 2010 could also be considered a watershed year. Even though good and integral reforms in the economy and public finances were absent, even though there remains a lot that needs to be done in the reform of the judiciary, administration and local self-government and the strengthening of democracy and human rights, we can say that the reform processes have reached a level which is bringing Croatia closer to European Union membership.
"In particular, the response to abuse of office, corruption and organised crime shows that Croatia is increasingly a democracy in which the rule of law and the law treat everyone equally, including the most senior officials. This resolute fight against corruption and organised crime is the main positive mark of last year. That fight enjoys the support of a huge majority of our citizens and all political parties, both those in power and in the opposition. As a society, we have shown maturity and must persevere in that, so that the rule of law, and not the street and lynching, will lead us to justice.
"2010 was also a watershed in the all too important relations with neighbours, in relations in the region. We have outstanding issues with all the neighbours. Some, such as the fate of the missing (from the war), border issues, property issues, accountability for crimes, succession (to the former Yugoslavia), are very difficult. But the new relations, founded on mutual acknowledgement, cooperation and the wish to solve the outstanding issues, guarantee the strengthening of security in the region and a big contribution to the boom of our economies.
"But, Croatia can and must do much better. Therefore, let's meet 2011 with optimism. Let's rely on our own creativity, courage, knowledge and hard work. Croatia does have good solutions. We can build optimism on the everyday examples of many successful individuals and collectives in all areas of the social life. In the economy, science, culture and sports we have models that we highlight. They make us proud, brave and inspired.
"We are at the end of negotiations on accession to the European Union. We are in the middle of a transformation into a modern European society which is embedding into its foundations democracy, social justice, human rights, equality before the law, security and paid labour. I am almost certain that Croatia will wrap up the negotiations with the EU in 2011 and that its citizens will give it at a referendum a convincing support for full membership of that great union of states and nations.
"A lot of work, sacrifice and responsibility is ahead of us in the New Year. 2011 will certainly not be easy. But I expect that Croatia will find an answer to the economic crisis and successfully continue the fight against corruption and organised crime. Encouraging entrepreneurship, domestic and foreign investments, opening new jobs and preserving citizens' social security and valuing work and knowledge are the key to success in 2011. The coming year must be a year of a resolute turnaround necessary for Croatia to be a successful society. Work, prosperity, trust, integrity, justice and the rule of law, spirituality and solidarity are the values I wish Croatia. I believe that our Homeland can achieve them. Therefore, let's meet the New Year 2011 filled with optimism and hope," Josipovic said in the message, wishing all Croatians at home and abroad, Croatian emigrants, and especially Croatian troops and police in peace missions around the world, a happy and good 2011.
