President Milanović tells residents of Kalnik: You’ve always known how to protect your rights and way of life
The President of the Republic visited the Municipality of Kalnik in Koprivnica-Križevci County, where he attended the official opening of the newly-reconstructed town square dedicated to Stjepan Radić, whom he described as “one of the three greatest Croatian political leaders of the 20th century.”
“He was a man who did not aggrieve any mother, who did not arrest anyone, and no one received a bullet because of him – yet he died from a bullet,” said President Milanović, expressing satisfaction that the town square in Kalnik bears Radić’s name.
President Milanović pointed out that Mount Kalnik, which is in the immediate vicinity of the community, dominates the area and speaks of Croatia’s history in many ways from several perspectives. “The mountain was also a symbol of the struggle in World War II; Izidor Štrok, Joža Horvat, Ivan Šibl and the first Croatian President Franjo Tuđman were here. They were all on the same side, on the side of justice, good and equality which – if he had not been killed – Stjepan Radić would have supported as well,” said the President.
President Milanović told the residents of Kalnik that they always worked hard, but also “sang songs in the Kajkavian dialect” and were known for starting revolts. He described them as “a people who take matters into their own hands, protect their rights and way of life, which they have shown several times in history. I hope they will never need to show it again,” concluded President Milanović.
Head of the Cabinet of the President of the Republic Bartol Šimunić was in Kalnik alongside President Milanović.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Tomislav Bušljeta