At a meeting of European Interior and Foreign Ministers, the Croatian incumbent apparently tried to kiss Foreign Minister Baerbock on the lips. The incident caused a stir in Croatia.
Outrage with their own Foreign Minister, sorry for Annalena Baerbock: Croatian media reports an “embarrassing moment” at the meeting of European Interior and Foreign Ministers in Berlin. In a video, it appears that Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic-Radman wanted to kiss colleague Annalena Baerbock on the lips while taking a group photo.
Women’s rights activists accuse Grlic-Radman of lack of respect
“Unpleasant to watch”, “a fiasco” and “unpleasant” was how the Croatian and Bosnian media commented on the moment when Baerbock moves away from the Croatian’s mouth, apparently surprised. The German minister felt “obviously uncomfortable”, writes the Zagreb newspaper “Jutarnji list”. On social media, where the video spread quickly, many Croatians reacted indignantly to the politician’s behavior.
Women’s rights activist Rada Boric spoke of a “completely inappropriate gesture”, while another activist accused the minister of a lack of decency and respect. Representative Ivana Kekin said that Grlic-Radman had embarrassed not only himself, but all Croatians. Criticism also came from former Croatian Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor. She wrote on Platform X: “Forced kissing from women is also called violence, right?”
Grlic-Radman denies accusations
Meanwhile, Grlic-Radman denied the allegations at a press conference. He wanted to greet a colleague in a “humane” way: “Ministers always greet each other warmly.” However, if anyone is offended by his gesture, he apologizes, Grlic-Radman said. Baerbock himself has yet to comment on the incident.
Several European ministers met in Berlin on Thursday to discuss the framework conditions for future EU enlargement. In addition to Ukraine and Turkey, several Western Balkan states are currently seeking EU membership, including Serbia and Albania.