The Zagreb Architects Society called on Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic on Tuesday to appoint someone with a construction degree as the new minister of physical planning, construction and state assets, saying this will enable professionals to contribute to post-earthquake reconstruction.

In a public appeal, the society’s president Tihomil Matkovic called on the prime minister to “consider references that will prove beyond question that the person you are appointing has the necessary qualifications in the construction sector and the necessary leadership experience to run both the Ministry and related institutions.”

Matkovic said “the synergistic effect of good management of state decisions in construction should enable the entire profession to successfully contribute to the expectations of it in the reconstruction and development of the built and unbuilt space in Croatia.”

The Zagreb Architects Society noted that this year Croatia was faced with the demands of post-earthquake reconstruction and absorption of EU funds.

It welcomed the extension of the deadline for spending aid from the EU Solidarity Fund for post-earthquake reconstruction, and warned about the continuation of disruptions on the construction market due to the post-pandemic crisis.

“In such a demanding environment, exceptionally important for the construction sector is the support of the best people in state institutions, starting from the minister of physical planning, construction and state assets,” the Society said.