The Return of Emigrants is Not a Matter of the Existence of a Ministry but of Political Will

The first Croatian government after the multi-party elections in 1990 had a Ministry of Emigration. Its purpose was to enable emigrated Croats to return to Croatia and assist them in integration. The task seemed easy, as the Croatian diaspora in overseas countries and in Western European states was, according to estimates, numerically close to the number of Croats in Croatia, and socially very diverse: from truly serious entrepreneurs in overseas countries (both Americas, Australia), to owners of small and medium-sized enterprises in European countries, managers, and scientists, to workers and retirees…

At a time when freedom was celebrated across Europe after the collapse of communist regimes, when Croatia was moving towards achieving its statehood, it was logical to include Croats from the diaspora in these changes – to help with their business experience, knowledge, and money. And for those who had to leave for political reasons, to assist in their return. The first minister for emigration was a returnee from Canada – Gojko Šušak. Later, as a wartime minister, Šušak proved to be a minister of duty: he succeeded in creating an army under wartime conditions, arming it under an arms import embargo, and establishing a crucial alliance with the USA… He did this largely in cooperation with the Croatian diaspora, which helped both financially and through influence. However, the project of returning the diaspora has remained an unfulfilled task to this day. Can the Ministry of Demography and Emigration, which was established at the initiative of the DP as a smaller government partner, change this?

The Doors Were Never Truly Open

Very simply – this is not a question of the existence of a ministry, but of the existence of political will. Precisely due to the lack of that political will, there was no organized and state-supported return of the diaspora, as was the case in the 1990s in Estonia or later in Ireland, where returnees were the drivers of new development. Regardless of whether they left for the ‘world’ due to downy mildew, economic, or political reasons, the old ruling structures always perceived the Croatian diaspora as hostile. Or at least as a competitor in the division of influence in politics and in an economy dependent on politics. Even during the creation and defense of the state, when the ties between Croatia and the diaspora were at their peak, they knew how to take money from the diaspora, exploit its influence, and discourage return. After 2000, this turned into open hostility, which then grew into feigned friendship. But the doors were never truly open. Special care was taken to ensure that the ‘intruder’ from the diaspora did not take a part of the political power.

Let us just recall the brutal defamation campaign that was waged against presidential candidate Boris Mikšić (2005), a Croatian-American entrepreneur who today has a very successful, export-oriented business (also) in Baranja. Or the insulting and vulgar attack (at that time) by Prime Minister Zoran Milanović on the origins of MP Davor Ivo Stier (2013), who has since established himself as a rarely competent Croatian politician. Or the passion with which they trampled the short-lived Prime Minister Tihomir Orešković (2016), mocking his Croatian language… And for example, in Estonian governments at the turn of the century, during a period of developmental upturn, the working language was often – English.

A Chance in Changed Circumstances

A look back does not inspire hope that changes in this deeply hostile relationship of the state towards its own diaspora are possible. However, perhaps there is a chance in the changing circumstances. In Croatia and among the diaspora, new generations have emerged. And gradually, awareness of the developmental potential of new emigrant generations is taking shape. Politics has closed the doors to them. But the descendants of emigrants are slowly returning through the management of foreign companies. Croatia, due to its security, position in Europe, and pleasant living conditions, is becoming increasingly attractive. A little more can be encouraged by improving the entrepreneurial climate (which is increasingly becoming an unavoidable obligation) and removing anachronistic legal barriers to obtaining citizenship for members of new generations (which would be a state gesture of encouragement). And of course, by showing a little good state will towards their return, in which the newly established ministry can be of assistance. However, it is not exactly a ministry for showing results, so it is not surprising that Mario Radić (DP) withdrew at the last moment, leaving it to the almost unknown Ivan Šipić.

And when we return to the beginning, it seems that it was easier to win a war from a seemingly hopeless situation than to create an integrated Croatian society from a seemingly advantageous position.