Croatia: Most MP Marin Miletić defends controversial parliamentary speech

Marin Miletić, a Member of Parliament for the Most party, has defended his recent parliamentary remarks, claiming he was using metaphors and parables rather than literal threats. During a debate on legal amendments last week, Miletić suggested that those guilty of severe corruption should be hanged in public squares to be eaten by birds, and stated that his party would use gasoline and excavators to level institutions to rebuild the state.

Responding to criticism, Miletić, a trained theologian, compared his rhetorical style to that of Jesus Christ, stating that he speaks in “strong, sharp, and powerful images” to convey the gravity of corruption. He clarified that while his imagery was intense, he does not advocate for the death penalty as it contradicts his values.

Nikola Grmoja, leader of the Most party, addressed the controversy by relativizing the statements. Grmoja noted that while Miletić spoke on behalf of the Most parliamentary club, the comments were merely “images.” Grmoja remarked that while he has expressed a desire to overhaul the judiciary, he did not literally mean using excavators to level courts.