“Andrej Plenković is the main protector of crime and corruption,” Milanović said in February, after the controversial appointment of the country’s attorney general caused an uproar. The president said that it was Plenković’s aim “to hide or erase all traces of corruption, crime and party-political favoritism leading to former and current officials of his government.”
Plenković , who as prime minister sets the national agenda and can appoint Cabinet officials, had pushed for Ivan Turudić — who is accused of having ties to figures suspected of corruption — to get the job. On Wednesday, Turudić was sworn in as attorney general.
Peđa Grbin, head of the Social Democratic Party, last month criticized the choice which he said “puts the last nail in the coffin” of justice.
Plenković denied allegations of wrongdoing.
The parliamentary elections in April will kick off what has been dubbed a “super election year” in Croatia. After the European election in June, Croatians will also vote in a presidential election later this year.
While the president has a right to propose amendments to the constitution and call extraordinary sessions of parliament, most of his powers are largely ceremonial.
