Milan Bandić, long-standing Mayor of Croatia’s capital Zagreb, has passed away. Bandić died on Sunday at the age of 65 of a heart attack. He had ruled his city almost continuously for the past twenty years and had been re-elected five times.
“He lived for his city, for the people of Zagreb who were in the first place in everything he did, for the job he did with love and energy, bringing in his whole self,” the city’s official statement reads.
“Milan Bandić was a mayor with great passion. He put all his energy into the city he loved and governed in 20 years,” said Dario Nardella, president of Eurocities. “With Milan Bandić, we also lose a strong advocate for cities in Europe. I am personally in deep sorrow that Milan passed away. My condolences go to his family.”
The funeral will be on Wednesday, March 3, on the Mirogoj Cemetery.
Until the the local elections for the new city government on May 16, deputy mayor Jelena Pavičić Vukičević performs the role of the Mayor of Zagreb.
Photo © Grad Zagreb
updated 1 March with additional information and statement of Dario Nardella
