The Military Service Drama in Croatia: SDP and the Right in a Fierce Battle!
Croatia is once again torn over the reintroduction of mandatory military service. SDP members voted for the first reading but with heavy conditions and reservations. Marin Živković from SDP clearly states: “We will not allow young people to be burdened with yet another obstacle before they start living their lives!” Instead of putting young lives on pause, he suggests putting the law on pause.
Why? Because the state already allocates 13% of its budget to the American military industry, while there isn’t enough money for pensions, healthcare, and social transfers. Živković warns that the military service will not be implemented fairly, and connections will decide who serves, not merit.
Dalija Orešković from Dosip condemns linking military service with Ustaša symbols and calls for respect of the constitution. Marijana Puljak from the Center believes the army is needed, but not through outdated, forced measures, rather a modern, professional, and motivated force.
Arsen Bauk from SDP supports reintroducing military service but only if the issue of conscientious objection is resolved, which the current law does not address. The right-wing side argues that military service is crucial for societal stability and resilience, as well as for strengthening the sense of belonging and responsibility towards the state.
Most’s Ivica Ledenko and HDZ’s Ante Deur agree that military service should exist as a reserve for the Croatian army and will contribute to the country’s defense capabilities.
The Parliament also adopted a defense strategy and a long-term plan for the development of armed forces until 2035, showing Croatia’s serious preparation for the future, but the military service issue remains controversial.
What’s the problem?
- Young people are burdened with an obligation that may slow down their life start.
- The financial burden is huge, and the state already struggles with the budget.
- Conscientious objection is not adequately resolved, which may lead to injustice.
- Political divides between left and right further complicate the situation.
Why does it matter?
Military service is not just a defense issue but one of social justice, economy, and the future of youth. Do we want our youth forced into something many see as outdated and unfair? Or should we build a modern, professional army that protects the country without unnecessary burdens on young people?
What now?
The second reading of the law is imminent, and SDP already announced it will not support the law unless conscientious objection is addressed. The right wing pressures for the law to pass without changes. It will be interesting to see how this drama ends.
If you have an opinion on this mess, feel free to share it — maybe your critique or support can help move things off the deadlock. Or at least we can laugh at the political bickering while waiting for someone to finally solve the problem.
Slug: sdp-vojni-rok-hrvatska-drama
Political Compass Mapping:
- Main article (ID: 191712): x=3, y=6 (left-center, mildly libertarian)
