Ahead of the presidential elections in the Republic of Croatia, the editorial staff of Croatians Online is launching a series of articles with the aim of bringing the candidates and their election programs closer to Croats in the diaspora.
To all those who have announced their candidacy so far, we asked the same five questions to find out their views on topics of particular interest to Croats abroad, including the right to vote, military service, double taxation and the tax on pensions. We publish the answers we received in alphabetical order according to the last names of the candidates.*
Independent candidate for President of the Republic of Croatia Niko Tokić Kartelo sujo program is called the "New Trust Policy", and it is based on transparency, responsibility and the creation of a sincere relationship with citizens. Relying on experience in entrepreneurship and running family businesses, under the slogan "Friendly President", he advocates the use of presidential powers to promote social and economic change.
Below, read what Niko Tokić Kartelo told us about the key topics of interest to Croatian emigration.
1. Currently, some Consulates of the Republic of Croatia are overloaded in terms of the amount of work, and it is not possible to get a meeting in them for months. Consequently, do you think that our country has enough consular representations and employees in the Consulates in view of this, but also in view of the increasing interest in the citizenship of the Republic of Croatia?
Croatia needs to improve the network of consular missions, especially in countries with a large Croatian diaspora, in order to shorten the deadlines for meetings and provide better support to our citizens. Our expats deserve fast and quality service that reflects their interest in connecting with their homeland.
2. If mandatory military service is introduced in the Republic of Croatia, should, in your opinion, the children of Croatian emigrants who live abroad and have received Croatian citizenship, serve military service in Croatia?
I believe that military service can play an important role in connecting young Croats from the diaspora with Croatia. However, it would be necessary to provide flexibility in the way of serving the term for those living abroad, in order to facilitate their participation without interfering with their obligations in foreign countries.
3. What is your position on the proposal of Minister Primorc not to tax returnees for a period of five years, and what do you think is the key to (finally) ratifying the Double Tax Treaty with the USA? In addition, in your opinion, should returning pensioners be taxed on pensions earned abroad?
My program emphasizes the equality of all citizens. I believe that not taxing returnees is not a good way because such measures are discriminatory. Returnees should be freed from unnecessary obstacles, but in such a way that the local population does not feel an unfair advantage is given to the returnees. The double taxation treaty is crucial to resolve, while pensioners should not be taxed additionally on foreign pensions.
4. Do you think that Croatian emigrants, even though they do not live in Croatia, should vote in elections. Why?
I believe that emigrants, regardless of where they live, have the right to participate in elections because Croatia is their homeland. Postal voting solves the problem of a limited number of polling stations abroad. The participation of emigrants in the elections enriches our country and enables connection with Croats around the world.
5. Briefly outline the key points of your program, with special reference to Croatian emigration.
My program envisages the strengthening of economic opportunities that encourage the return and retention of young people in Croatia. Ensuring a stable and stimulating business climate for investment, strengthening cooperation between Croatia and the diaspora, and transparent and efficient administration for all citizens - regardless of whether they live in Croatia or abroad.
About the candidate
Niko Tokić Kartelo, an entrepreneur with a career in several different industries, has built a business model based on trust, transparency and responsibility over three decades. His greatest business success is the preservation and further development of the "Furnir" brand, one of the oldest Croatian companies in the wood industry
processing.
Niko Tokić Kartelo sees politics as a tool for even greater support for society and people, and not as an opportunity for personal promotion. The "new trust policy" is based on transparency, responsibility and the creation of a sincere relationship with citizens. "New trust" implies advocacy of tax reform, reduction
contribution, restructuring of state administration and greater participation of citizens in decision-making. The function of the President of the Republic of Croatia should be focused on working in the interest of all citizens, not on personal or political interests.
*At the time of sending the questions to the presidential candidates, eleven people announced their candidacy. Candidates who joined later will receive the questions later.
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