PHOTO: Zagreb Mayor Attends Anti-Cabinet Protest

We found out what the mayor though of the protest, driving with him in his car,taking a closer look at his normal work day.

ZAGREB, CROATIA – After distributing presents anent Saint Nicholas` Day to primary school pupils at the Trnsko sports hall, Zagreb Mayor Milan Bandic set out for Ban Jelacic Square, where an anti-government protest called “You tighten your belt, gang of thieves” was being held, organised by a Facebook group.

The mayor took a break from his daily tasks in the car.

- It`s not like this just today, my every day looks like this – Bandic said.

Sausages and pork chips

His mobile phone rang and the first call sounded interesting. An unfamiliar collocutor counted to the mayor how many sausages and pork chips he had received.

Not long after, the mayor replied as his daughter was calling him, asking her in a dead voice if their pet had been fed.

He was in for “the night of a thousand dinners” after the protest, organised by the American Chamber of Economy at the Sheraton Hotel, supported by the city of Zagreb with the goal of raising funds for the demining process of Croatia.

- I`m going to the protest to meet up with my people for coffee, and later, I`ll go to the Sheraton. We`re having a dinner for demining, organised by the American and Canadian Embassies. We helped – Bandic said.

Needs to hear what the people are saying

When it comes to the anti-government protest, the mayor said he supports it, but will not have time to stay.

- I`m going to see what the people will say. One should always listen to what people are saying – the mayor explained his attendance.

When asked about the arrest of an activist who was putting up posters which announced the protest, the mayor was careful, saying that people need to be allowed to express their opinion.

- I am for the freedom of speech and for people to express their thoughts. It is clear what a cause for an arrest is and what isn`t. Someone cannot be arrested because they are doing something according to the law – he said.

He did not wish to comment on the police`s apology after the arrest.

The news stated that the protestors were demanding early elections, but the mayor did not wish to discuss the matter.

- Sometimes, one needs to listen, not just talk – Bandic said.

End of the road

When his mobile phone rang for the third time, Bandic was informed that some 4,000 people gathered in Zagreb`s main square for the protest. We left the mayor`s car when he met up with city office colleagues.

You can see the mayor presenting the pupils in the photo gallery Zagreb Mayor Distributes Gifts To Pupils, while images from the Facebook-organised protest ae in the photo gallery Zagreb`s Citizens Protest at Jelacic Square.

PHOTO: Protest Takes Place in Zagreb