Do you see your age as an impediment to your political work or an advantage?
Even though I’m still young chronologically, my political age is much older. I was a presidential candidate in 2014 at the age of 24, and since then have invested all of my time in politics. I gained a lot of knowledge and experience with my work first in the national parliament, and then the European Parliament. Of course I believe that the gained experience and connections all around the world will be advantageous in the future, as I am just now entering the “serious” age for politics.
Are you taken seriously by older politicians or voters?
I certainly hope so, because older citizens are very much in danger if nothing changes in Croatia. Our voters are not just young people who want change, our voters are found in every part of society. A lot of us just want our freedoms and a normal country to live in. People will recognise who is on their side when the time comes.
If the young people saw that you can actually accomplish something in the parliament, they would be much more involved.
If you are a parent, how do you balance life/work?
I have a wife and two children. It is hard, especially because of my work abroad, but we manage somehow. We try to use and cherish every moment together. They understand we are doing important work and that some sacrifices have to be made, and they know that nothing is permanent.
How do you handle public criticism of you or your political allies on social media?
Go to my Facebook page and find out. The community is very active and if there are some negative comments, the people will defend the truth. People know we are the truth. They know who stood by their side when the system tried to force them into taking untested drugs, when their constitutional freedoms were taken away. Sometimes I engage with some of the negative people, but I don’t waste my time on them. Most of them are just paid ruling party “uhljebs” [cronies]. Constructive criticism is always welcome, of course. We want to be the best service possible and do what the citizens elected us to do.
Do you find that you are assigned/choose specific work dossiers because of your age?
Not really. As I said before, I fight for all of my citizens. I choose to do what I think is the most important, and that is freedom, human health, the environment and our homeland.
Corruption in mainstream politics is nothing surprising to us.
What changes could be made in the European Parliament's work so that it has more contacts/relevance with/for young people?
The European Parliament needs to become a real parliament where we can propose solutions, not just vote on the European Commission’s decisions (they are not even made by the commission). If the young people saw that you can actually accomplish something in the parliament, they would be much more involved.
Nevertheless, we need people who cannot be bought, real people who want to do right for their communities. I invite every young person to take interest in politics, because the future is in our hands and we must not let the corrupt system decide for us.
What kind of conversations did you have with your friends/contacts after Qatargate?
Corruption in mainstream politics is nothing surprising to us. The influence of the deep state and big business is very dangerous.
One could get an impression the whole thing is just for show, the real decisions are made elsewhere and many politicians in power are just actors, puppets, so they have to be corrupt. I repeat, we need more people who cannot be bought if we want change.
The most important files Vilibor Sinčić worked on for the last legislative term 2019-2023:
