MFEA rejects allegations about curtailing free speech of employees

The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs strongly rejects allegations that the Rules of Internal Order violate constitutional freedoms

The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs strongly rejects allegations that the Rules of Internal Order violate constitutional freedoms. We find completely unacceptable any comparisons with totalitarian regimes of the last century. When drafting the Rules of Internal Order article concerning public statements, the Ministry adhered to the practices of other European countries as well.

In terms of public statements in the media, as well as the conduct of civil servants in general, the Civil Servants Act, Civil Servants Rules of Conduct and the Foreign Affairs Act do not distinguish between the official and the private.  

Foreign service employees have a duty, in both official and private public statements, to observe said regulations, including the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

That means that every day and constantly the foreign service employees must be careful not to damage the reputation of the civil service or their own personal reputation, the regulations of the Republic of Croatia and the regulations and customs of other countries, as well as the provisions of confidentiality.

Therefore, it cannot be said that prior approval for public statements in the media by foreign ministry employees denies their right to free speech. The Rules of Internal Order stipulate the ways in which provisions of said international conventions and national regulations shall be implemented. Also, it cannot be said that prior approval is “political approval”.

 

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