At a meeting of European interior and foreign ministers, the Croatian incumbent apparently tried to kiss Federal Foreign Minister Baerbock on the mouth. The incident caused a stir in Croatia.
Outrage at their own foreign minister, pity for Annalena Baerbock: Croatia’s media reports on an “embarrassing moment” at the meeting of European interior and foreign ministers in Berlin. In a video, it appears as if Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic-Radman wanted to kiss colleague Annalena Baerbock on the mouth while taking a group photo.
Women’s rights activists accuse Grlic-Radman of a lack of respect
“Unpleasant to watch”, “a fiasco” and “unpleasant” is how Croatian and Bosnian media commented on the moment in which Baerbock turns away from the Croat’s mouth, apparently surprised. The German minister felt “obviously uncomfortable,” writes the Zagreb newspaper “Jutarnji list.” On social networks, where the video spread rapidly, many Croatians reacted indignantly to the politician’s behavior.
The 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. MP Ivana Kekin said Grlic-Radman had shamed not only himself but all Croats. Criticism also came from Croatia’s former Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor. She wrote on Platform X: “Forced kissing of women is also called violence, right?”
Grlic-Radman denies allegations
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 takes offense at his gesture, he apologizes, said Grlic-Radman. Baerbock himself has not yet commented on the incident.
Several European ministers met in Berlin on Thursday to discuss 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.