Croatia's Ambassador to Austria, Danijel Gluncic, was called to the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday over Croatian President Zoran Milanovic's comments on the Austrian coronavirus policy, the Croatian Embassy has confirmed to the Croatian state news agency Hina.

“I can confirm that I was called to the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” Ambassador Gluncic told Hina. He declined to reveal details of the discussion.

According to a statement from the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gluncic was called over “highly unusual statements by the Croatian president,” which were “strongly rejected”.

Milanovic commented on the latest COVID restrictions in Austria on Monday, after meeting with Pope Francis in Vatican.

On the same day, Austria imposed restrictions on the freedom of movement for people who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and those who have not recovered from the disease. These people are allowed to leave their home only to buy food, visit a doctor or a pharmacy, and go to work. Failure to comply with this measure is subject to a fine of up to €1,450.

“Today, unvaccinated people in Austria are banned from leaving their homes. What is that, science or methods that remind you of 1930s,” Milanovic said.

“Comparing measures against the coronavirus pandemic to fascism is unacceptable. It is our responsibility to protect the citizens of Austria and we are acting accordingly,” the Austrian ministry said, as quoted by APA news agency.

“We clearly conveyed our surprise at these statements to the Croatian ambassador in Austria,” said Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal, State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.