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Zagreb - Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković issued on Friday a message on the occasion of Statehood Day, May 30, recalling that 30 years ago the first multi-party parliament was constituted, which paved the way to the democratic change, freedom, and statehood and independence of Croatia.
"That was the first step towards the establishment of the modern Croatian state and that is why the date was chosen as the 'all-Croatian day of celebrating Croatian statehood'," Jandroković noted in his statement.
He recalled that just before 30 May 1990 and the constituting of the Parliament, the first free, direct, and multi-party election had been held, and the Croatian people elected their true leadership after a long time. Jandroković also emphasised the historic role the Sabor played.
"During its history as a representative body of the Croatian people which guarded Croatian statehood and protected the interests of the Croatian people, the Croatian Parliament, along with the first Croatian president, Dr Franjo Tuđman, played the key role in establishing the modern, democratic state with deep roots in the Central European and the Mediterranean areas and a strong Christian identity," Jandroković pointed out.
The Parliament Speaker expressed special gratitude to Homeland War veterans and their families, noting that the Homeland War was the strongest foundation of the present-day Croatia.
He recalled that even today we witnessed "times of numerous contemporary challenges", and that we are observing Statehood Day in changed life circumstances due to the global health crisis.
"A lot of times in its history Croatia has proven that it can successfully weather difficult times. And this time, first of all owing to the strength, responsibility, seriousness, courage, solidarity and togetherness of our citizens, we have managed to overcome this hardship," Jandroković noted, pointing out the parliament's contribution as well.