Plenković: We will raise the level of security in all schools

(Patria) - After another regular session of the Presidency of HDZ Croatia, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković said that all current political and economic conditions in the country were discussed.

He added that they first addressed the tragedy at Prečko Elementary School.

- On behalf of the party, I express my condolences to the family of the deceased boy and wish a speedy recovery to the injured boys and the teacher. We said that we are already appalled, both as a government and as a party. Today, such an atmosphere prevailed here as well - said Plenković.

He explained that today he took action and convened a working group and all relevant participants in the process to raise the level of security in all schools.

- From basic, fundamental things like locking schools, to better doors, all security mechanisms, the constant presence of school staff at the entrance doors or engaging, as a medium-term solution, representatives of security companies, or ultimately, by amending relevant regulations - added Plenković.

He mentioned the new job systematization, emphasizing that it would be a profile of people who would be educated, possess skills in protection and security, and at the same time be prepared for communication with children, students, and parents, in a way that functions with a lot of trust internally and with full training for external protection.

Plenković pointed out that this is approximately the framework on which Minister Fuchs and all others who were at the meeting will work in the coming period.

- If this also entails amendments to the Law on Education, which is already planned to be amended in the first half of this year, those amendments will be included, as well as any bylaws - Plenković stated.

When asked how many new jobs the systematization related to child safety would require, he replied that child safety is the most important.

- And no matter how many there are, the goal is to have equal standards in all schools across Croatia. Funds for this can be found, that is not a problem.

There are cities in Croatia, such as Dubrovnik, Zadar, and some others, that have already engaged security companies as founders to have people at the school entrance.

This is a deterrent message, so that all those whose job it is not to be in school, do not come there - Plenković answered.

Asked if these measures could be implemented by the second semester, he stated that they are proceeding step by step.

- So, first short-term measures, medium-term measures, then a long-term comprehensive solution based on expert opinions - said Plenković.

He also added that many people are dealing with the issue of school safety.

- I already said today in Sisak, it's not just the danger of someone from outside coming and attacking children, as we had this situation at Prečko Elementary School. We have a serious problem of peer violence that has been going on for decades. We have a problem with drugs, dealers coming near schools, into yards, playgrounds, and so on.

These are all topics that we must think about comprehensively and try to prevent all of this for our youth, those who are the most vulnerable, who do not yet have enough information, have not formed strong stances, or are possibly susceptible to those who want to manipulate - concluded Plenković.