Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman 19 August 2019 gave a press statement on fact-finding in the case of Elizabeta Mađarević’s social media posts.
Grlić Radman reiterated that the ministry distanced itself from and condemned Mađarević’s statements as soon as the news broke out. The next day, the ministry expanded the press release, underlining a diplomat’s obligation to strengthen their country’s reputation abroad, not harm it. Grlić Radman recalled that “a diplomat represents their country and should act accordingly”, adding that Croatia shared the European values. “There’s no place for racism, xenophobia and intolerance in the Foreign Affairs Service,” Grlić Radman underscored.
The minister informed the press that the facts showed beyond doubt that Mađarević had violated her professional obligations and that the ministry would request the relevant civil service tribunal to suspend her from diplomatic service.
“The tribunal will objectively consider the employee’s actions and the damage she has caused to the Croatian diplomacy and Croatia as such, and will rule on appropriate sanctions,” he said.