A man, (Former Prime Minister), with a bag in his hand!

A man with a bag in his hand...

This man with the bag in his hand was once the most influential politician in the Republic of Croatia. He was prime minister. He was a darling of the international community. He was welcomed in Brussels and other important European capitals. In 2009 he suddenly resigned. In early December 2010 he fled Croatia, but his adventure lasted only 24 hours: he was arrested on the highway near Salzburg in Austria.

Almost 15 years have passed since then. The man with the bag in his hand, known as Ivo Sanader, was released from prison today. So far, both in pre-trial detention and based on court decisions, he has spent almost 10 years in prison.

Ivo Sanader has been convicted by final judgment in three cases: for embezzlement of money from public enterprises, for seeking and accepting bribes, and for handing over management rights over the company Ina to the Hungarian company MOL in exchange for bribes.

Ivo Sanader could go down in history as a major figure in Croatian politics. Before entering the minefield of politics, he was a theater director in Split. He spoke Italian, German, and English. When he became prime minister, he put an end to Franjo Tudjman's leaden legacy. He steered Croatia toward the EU. He created the conditions for the arrest of Ante Gotovina. Thus, he paved the way for the start of EU accession negotiations. But during his tenure, his instinct for power - and greed - betrayed him.

And here he is now: a man with a bag. Despised. Forgotten. Lonely. And deservedly convicted! Meanwhile, his country is a member of the European Union, is part of Schengen and pays in euros. (Croatia joined NATO on April 1, 2009, when Ivo Sanader was prime minister at the time). For all his crimes, the Croatian justice system has sentenced him to a total of 18 years in prison. According to the law, the conditions for his early release have been met, but until 2032 he will be under the supervision of the authorities.

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