New Minister of Regional Development Under the Microscope!
The Croatian Parliament is about to vote on confidence in Nataša Mikuš Žigman, the new Minister for Regional Development and EU Funds. But who is this woman really, and what’s hiding behind her property?
Who is Nataša Mikuš Žigman?
Nataša hails from Istria and has a career full of government roles related to EU funds and regional development. She served as a state secretary twice, worked on Croatia’s EU accession negotiations, managed European projects and funds, and played a key role in establishing the institutional system for managing EU funds.
Property Raising Eyebrows
While her own asset declaration isn’t fully known, data about her husband Ante Žigman, head of HANFA, reveals real estate worth at least several hundred thousand euros. This includes a weekend house on the island of Vir, an apartment in Pula, and a house in Jablanovac.
She owns 88 shares of Hrvatski Telekom, each valued at about €39.80, plus treasury bills worth €5,000. She is also repaying a €25,000 loan with a 5.5% interest rate taken from Raiffeisen Bank.
Experience and Education
Nataša is a professor of German and English, holds a master’s degree in contemporary European studies from the UK, and a specialist diploma in EU economics.
Why Does This Matter?
At a time when Croatia struggles with transparency and corruption, appointing someone with such property and connections to head regional development and EU funds raises questions. How will billions of euros from EU funds be managed? Will the money be used for development or private interests?
What Do You Think?
Is this the right choice for Croatia? Should the minister’s property and connections be under scrutiny? Or is this just another political game? Drop your thoughts and join the conversation — politics is often messier than soap operas, and we’re here to watch and comment!
This isn’t just a story about one minister; it’s a story about how power and money are divided and used in Croatia.
