President Milanović in Čakovec: The Zrinskis and Frankopans form the backbone of the Croatian state right
“We are proud of Međimurje. Such a beautiful, cultivated, and peaceful region, amidst a blend of elegiac and melancholic tones, melodies, and music heard here. Međimurje’s virtue lies in the fact that true virtue doesn’t need to be immediately visible; Međimurje doesn’t push itself into the spotlight and isn’t forceful. Yet, it perseveres like constant dropping that wears away a stone, like the Mura and Drava rivers,” the President of the Republic Zoran Milanović said in Čakovec at a special session of the Međimurje County Assembly held on the occasion of County Day.
On the occasion of Međimurje County Day, which coincides with the execution day of two Croatian nobles, Zrinski and Frankopan, the President also addressed their significance in Croatian history. “We should talk about the tragedy of Zrinski and Frankopan as the backbone of Croatianhood and the Croatian story here in Međimurje. The selection of the date itself is both very significant and sad, because we are talking about the death and execution of two great men, one who is from Čakovec, where his noble family settled. It was a time when many European nations did not have their nobility because it was wiped out by stronger nations. However, in Croatia, that thread was continuous and was preserved. It never disappeared. Here in Čakovec, the Zrinskis are the strongest bond with the Croatian state right, as is the case with the Frankopans in Ozalj and Bosiljevo. Both of these noble families’ roots stem from the south, from the sea: the Frankopans are princes from Krk, while the Bribir princes are from the hinterland of Šibenik, the heart of Croatian Dalmatia. That is the backbone of the Croatian state right. That, which unites the south, the centre and the north, and even Istria and Siget,” the President of the Republic underscored.
Furthermore, President Milanović emphasized their importance for Croats and Croatia, highlighting the significance of Croats for Europe as well. He specifically noted that Zrinski fought in Siget to save Vienna. “Vienna was saved more than once by the blood and will of Croats and Hungarians. Also, when Suleiman the Magnificent attacked Europe and Vienna, he was stopped by the Croats and Hungarians in Siget. So, the Croats saved Europe in its hardest hour and enabled Vienna to develop into the centre of European power – only to be rewarded a hundred years later with the execution of their greatest leaders,” he said, adding that a group of people gathered around Frankopan to create the Croatian literary language as a combination of Chakavian, Kajkavian and Shtokavian. “Those people knew and felt what a state is, what a nation is, and how it should subsequently develop. They are ingrained in the very foundations of the Croatian state right,” he emphasized.
President Milanović commended the audience for their efforts in absorbing European funds, urging them to continue their good work. “Use them, because soon you’ll be overdeveloped and you’ll have to think hard how to get them. They are not designed to make Međimurje richer than Bavaria. Don’t be impressed by Brussels and Europe, because a lot of stupidity comes from there. Like the great men of this region, discover authority within yourself and your virtues,” he concluded.
In addition to President Milanović, Dragutin Glavina, President of the Međimurje County Assembly, and Matija Posavec, Međimurje County Prefect, also spoke at the ceremony. President Milanović was accompanied by Melita Mulić, Adviser to the President of the Republic for Human Rights and Civil Society, and Dinko Suton, Secretary General of the Office of the President of the Republic.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Tomislav Bušljeta