2 January declared national day of mourning in Croatia

2 January, 2021 will be a national day of mourning in Croatia in memory of the victims of the devastating earthquake on 29 December. Seven people were killed, including a child in the 6.3 magnitude earthquake which hit the town of Petrinja. To cope with the consequences of the earthquake, Zagreb activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
JanezLenarčič, European Commissioner for Crisis Management commented that in less than 24 hours 13 EU countries and one country from the mechanism had offered to help which proves that solidarity is alive and Croatia is not alone in the crisis.
Croatia also created a designated bank account for donations, while Prime Minister Andrej Plenković announced that anyone wanting to help can do so via the Red Cross and civil defence.

Greece halts public vaccination of senior state officials

After a public outcry the Greek government has halted the public coronavirus vaccination of senior state officials. The media accused cabinet ministers of jumping the line and getting a vaccination before doctors have been given that opportunity. 66 officialswere given a vaccine by 30 December, among them President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, cabinet ministers and politicians who aimed to set an example for the public. The inoculation of the country’s top officials was shown live on TV, the BTA reports. Deputy government spokespersonAristoteliaPeloni stated that state officials would be vaccinated when their turn comes according to the vaccination schedule.

Turkey imposes additional Covid-19 restrictions for the New Year

Turkey is putting in place additional Covid-19 restrictions for New Year’s Eve which will be valid for guests from abroad. A curfew will be imposed and, from 8 PM on 31 December until 10 AM on 1 January, people will not be allowed in the central tourist streets and squares of all towns and districts. No entertainment events will be allowed at hotels throughout the country form 31 December until 4 January. No gathering of people will be allowed, including in the dining areas, and no music will be allowed at hotels after 10 PM.

More than half of citizens of North Macedonia do not want to be vaccinated

58.6% of the citizens of North Macedonia do not want to be vaccinated against coronavirus, indicate data from a survey by Telma TV.

38.7% of the respondents say they probably will get a vaccine. The level of education has no bearing on the decision to be vaccinated or not. 59%of Macedonians with incomplete education and 50% of people with postgraduate degrees are against vaccination. The differences based on gender and age are more discernible. 44.2% of men and 31% of women say they will probably take the vaccine some time in the future. Young people aged 18 to 29 and farmers are the biggest sceptics. The people interested most in getting vaccinated– 50% - are those aged over 65.

Opposition in Montenegro walks out of parliament

The Democratic Party of Socialists left the newly formed parliament of Montenegro. The opposition is demanding that the Constitutional Court make an assessment of the legitimacy of the parliamentary quorum by force of which amendments were made to the law on freedom of religion. The amendments restituted all property to the Serbian Orthodox church, a decision which triggered protests in the capital city. Thousands accused the new government of pro-Serbian policies. After declaring its independence from the union with Serbia in 2006, the citizens of Montenegro remain divided with regard to relations with Belgrade. Around 1/3 identify themselves as Serbs, while the Serbian patriarchate has the biggest following.

Government crisis in Albania

Albanian President Ilir Meta condemned Greece’s decision to extend its marine borders up to 12 miles within the controversial border region in the Ionian Sea. In a statement on Facebook Meta called for the negotiations with Athens to continue. The diplomatic crisis has led to cabinet reshuffles in Tirana. Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Gent Cakaj tendered his resignation. In his place Prime Minister Edi Rama appointed OltaXhaçka, until now defence minister, while her post in the defence ministry now goes to former Deputy Prime Minister Niko Peleshi. Cakaj, who comes from Kosovo, will continue as a member of the prime minister’s team.  The cabinet reshuffles have to be approved by President Ilir Meta.

Sources: Bulgarian National Radio and BTA

Compiled by Ivo Ivanov