Despite consistently criticising the way the coronavirus crisis is being managed and health policies in general, opposition lawmakers on Friday stood in defence of Health Minister Vili Beros, criticising protesters who had rallied outside his home and disturbed his family.

Everyone has the right to express their dissatisfaction, but it has to be done in a public space, said MP Sabina Glasovac of the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SDP).

“I understand disagreeing with decisions by the COVID-19 response team and the government and everyone has the right to express their dissatisfaction, and they are free to do so in squares, outside Government House and the Ministry of Health, but not in front of anyone’s home, in this case in front of Minister Beros’ home, where his family lives, as do other residents of that building who are not at fault and do not deserve to have anyone disturb their peace,” she said.

Matko Kuzmanic from the Social Democrats caucus expressed solidarity with the Beros family, saying that freedom and responsibility have to go together and “we need to watch what we say so that inflammatory rhetoric does not become a reality.”

MP Ursa Raukar Gamulin of the Mozemo! party said that she would never jeopardise or in any other way disturb the families or the private sphere of any minister or politician, while conservative opposition Most party MP, Marin Miletic, warned that politicians are public figures who have to always be prepared for criticism and frustration expressed by the people, but that citizens cannot do it everywhere they please.