Croatia’s Miletić unveils bold plan for youth, families in Istria

Independent candidate for Croatia's Istrian prefect, Boris Miletić, presented on Tuesday two chapters of his election program related to education and housing policy, emphasizing that strong and fair Istria is built through education, and opportunities for all are provided through housing policy, CE Report quotes HINA.

He reminded that from the beginning of his current mandate as head of the Istrian County, he stated that education was one of his priorities, which, according to Miletić, is confirmed by a series of implemented investments and projects such as the construction of the Medical School in Pula and the expansion and equipping of the Regional Center of Competence in Tourism and Hospitality – KLIK Pula.

He announced that, if elected, in the next mandate he will upgrade and expand five elementary schools in order to enable single-shift classes throughout Istrian County.

In addition, Miletić said there would be investments in the digitalization of schools and modernization of classrooms for contemporary learning methods, lifelong learning and adult education programs, STEM programs, and projects that encourage innovation among young people — all with the goal, he said, “of building a strong, modern, and fair Istria through education.”

“When we talk about housing policy, we see that real estate prices are high, and to help our young people, as well as professionals in shortage occupations, solve their housing issues, we have designed the 'Istrian Housing Plan' which includes the construction of 100 apartments in cooperation with our cities and municipalities, with a 45% non-refundable subsidy per square meter of a new apartment, thus enabling all citizens access to stable and quality housing,” Miletić announced.

He added that the county would co-finance the preparation of main project documentation for youth housing for cities and municipalities, making it easier for young families to find their home in Istria.

Miletić also mentioned that a county project is underway to repurpose the building of the former Naval Hospital into 22 apartments for healthcare workers. Additionally, one-time grants were awarded last year for the purchase of a first apartment or the purchase or construction of a house in the amount of 20,000 euros net.

The goal, Miletić concluded, is a housing policy that provides opportunities for everyone — young people, families, and key professions.