Zagreb, 18 February 2025 (Hina/MIA) – Zoran Milanović was formally sworn in for his second term as President of Croatia before the President of Croatia's Constitutional Court, Miroslav Šeparović. He pledged to uphold the Constitution and carry out his duties for the benefit of the Croatian people and citizens.

"I swear on my honor that I will perform the duties of President of the Republic of Croatia conscientiously and responsibly for the benefit of the Croatian people and all Croatian citizens. As the head of state, I will abide by the Constitution and law, ensure respect for the constitutional and legal order of the Republic of Croatia, oversee the proper and fair functioning of all state authorities, and protect the independence, existence and unity of the Republic of Croatia. So help me God," Milanović swore during the ceremony at the President's Office at Pantovčak, with his hand on the Constitution, before signing the oath.

In his inaugural address, Milanović said the fundamental task of state institutions was to safeguard the peace and security of citizens. "We must navigate with the awareness that life is not just calm seas and favorable winds. Let that awareness be our guide. It is a firm guarantee of uprightness and composure, regardless of the direction or the strength of the winds and waves," he said.

"Inequality and corruption insidiously erode the social fabric. We must build and refine legal and social mechanisms that will help ensure that we do not falter - either materially or in spirit - during difficult times, and that we remain grounded and realistic in times of prosperity," the President said.

"Only we care about our country and we must abandon illusions that someone from outside will take care of us in hard times. Everything Croatia has achieved is owing solely to the Croatian people, above all those who gave their lives and health in defense of our freedom."

"Strength lies in recognising our own weaknesses, and few weaknesses are greater than hatred, chauvinism or distrust toward those who are different from us, who are weaker. Few things are as misguided as glorifying the darkest chapters of our own history, and there is hardly a greater act of cowardice than denying someone's patriotism based on differences in opinion, nationality, religion or race," he said, adding, "This is a home for all of us."

Milanović's new five-year term officially begins Wednesday, and as President of the Republic, he also serves as Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces.

He was re-elected as Croatia’s president just over a month ago, on Jan. 12, when he won in the presidential runoff, defeating his challenger Dragan Primorac.

The inauguration was attended by around 100 guests, with 180 media representatives covering the event. Among the attendees were three former Presidents of the Republic: Stipe Mesić, Ivo Josipović and Kolinda Grabar Kitarović.

The ceremony was also attended by representatives of various institutions and associations, the Armed Forces, religious communities, party leaders who supported Milanović during the election campaign, members of his campaign team, and generals from the Homeland War, including Ante Gotovina, as well as family and friends.

Alongside his wife Sanja Sanja Musić, Milanović was joined by their sons Ante Jakov and Marko.

Epidemiologist Sanja Musić Milanović leads the National Program for Health Promotion "Living Healthy". Ante Jakov has completed his undergraduate studies in International and European Law and his Master's in International Economic Law at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, while Marko is a student at the University of Zagreb and a member of the Croatian wrestling team.