One of the leading Croatian newspapers has had an interview with the former prime minister, Ivo Sanader, who is presently facing a plethora of mindboggling lawsuits for corruption and organized crime. They published it today. “I will pull out,” he said confidently, “and I will come back.” He plans to return to politics, that is. More, he plans to return to the helm not only of his party, but that of the state, as well. “I was too powerful and too strong for Croats,” he explains. “That is my problem.” In other words, he will be neither too powerful nor too strong for Croats in the future. His problem will vanish in the meanwhile. Thataboy! As it seams to me, though, he was just right for Croats even in his heyday. After all, he was the star of corruption and organized crime to be remembered forever by his people. Which is why I have hardly any doubt that he has a fair chance in the future. Once a star for Croats, always a star.

Addendum (October 1, 2012)

In addition to the newspaper interview, Ivo Sanader has yet another political victory to his name: one of the most prestigious television shows in Croatia. Yesterday afternoon he had a well-publicized interview that all the media in the country are dissecting this morning. Predictably, he was as cocky as ever. According to him, corruption and organized crime were pure inventions foisted upon him by his political adversaries. But it was interesting overhearing discussions about him in the Bulldog Pub. A few tables away from mine there sat a loud fellow who spoke with great authority. “First,” he said loudly enough to catch my attention, “Sanader was an absolute ruler of his government. “ He paused and looked around his table. “Second,” he shouted at the top of his voice, “he set up his entire government to sell every single asset Croatia had in stock!” He did not mention land in the ownership of the state, but I still rejoiced at his words. Of course, Sanader’s push for golf development in Istria and Dalmatia was about the sale of that land and nothing else. Sadly, this is one lawsuit he has managed to miss so far. The global economic crisis saved him in the nick of time from selling more than a few plots of land.