Independent economic expert, Ante Babic, said that every government will try to win over retirees, who make more than a million people, and that voting age should be restricted from the age of 18 until the age of 70 or 80. Babic said that one possible criterion for defining voting capabilities could be a valid driver's license, Jutarnji List reports.

- The effect of retired population on the economy is huge. They are of vital importance in voting and someone will have to do it sooner or later - said Babic.

His statement provoked a series of sharp criticism. HNS’s presidential candidate, Vesna Pusic, strongly condemned Babic’s proposal.

-This proposal is not only irresponsible and shameful, but it is also dangerous because it calls for an open discrimination against a part of the Croatian population. The idea goes against the fundamental human rights and corrodes the foundations of the modern and democratic Croatia - said Pusic.

Who's next - women under 25, minorities?

She added that it is even more surprising that this kind of idea comes from a person who is considered to be economic expert and performs the function of advisor in the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports, as well as the role of Director of the Center for International Development.

- This statement needs to be publicly condemned by the leaders of the Croatian Ministry and the public in general. If an educated man is able to proclaim something like this, we can only wonder who would be the next - women under 25, minorities? - Asked the presidential candidate.

Pusic believes that the attack against the pensioners and people older than 70 or 80, whose social, economic and health status is already quite difficult, is a big blow not only to the constitutional rights of senior citizens, but also to their dignity as persons who deserve special attention and care.

- And the old saying says that every society should be judged by the way they treat their oldest members. Fundamental rights of individuals, regardless of their age, should never be questioned - concluded Pusic.