Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic on Sunday sent his condolences to the family and associates of Zagreb Mayor Milan Bandić, noting that after two decades of work, Bandic left behind numerous projects that have contributed to the development of Zagreb and its recognisability.

“I received with regret the news of the sudden and premature death of Milan Bandic, longtime Zagreb mayor and president of the Labour and Solidarity Party… In these painful moments, I extend, on behalf of the government and my own, sincere condolences and sympathies to the Bandić family, friends and associates,” the prime minister’s letter of condolence read.

Plenkovic underscored that Mayor Bandic was characterised by inexhaustible work energy and enthusiasm “which marked his life and political engagement”.

“He will be remembered for his efforts to do good for the people of Zagreb, but also for many other parts of Croatia,” the prime minister underscored.

Plenkovic recalled that the citizens of Zagreb had given their vote to Bandic for mayor six times, and that he had been elected a member of parliament at the national level and had been in a presidential election runoff.

“After two decades of work, Mayor Bandic left behind him numerous projects that have contributed to the development of Zagreb and its recognisability,” he underscored.

The prime minister also recalled that he had in the past five years, together with members of the government, cooperated with Bandic and that they had supported the development of Croatia’s capital, working on numerous projects, using European funds for economic development and employment, infrastructure, culture and education, as well as the health system, and that they had cooperated during Croatia’s presidency of the Council of the European Union.

He also underscored the cooperation after the devastating earthquake that struck the city in March 2020, and said that in continuous cooperation with the City Administration and services they had undertaken all activities to prepare for a comprehensive and long-term reconstruction of the city of Zagreb.