Croatia names new defense chief after ex-boss fired over fatal car crash

The Croatian government has named a new defense minister after his predecessor was sacked for being involved in a deadly car accident, the country’s Prime Minister Andrej Plenković announced Monday.

“We have completed the consultations regarding the new candidate for the minister of defense. The proposal … is Ivan Anušić, the former prefect of Osijek-Baranja County,” Plenković’s statement said.

Former Defense Minister Mario Banožić was fired Saturday after authorities said he caused a road traffic accident in which one person died and another was seriously injured.

According to the authorities, Banožić crashed into a van that was coming from the opposite direction, killing the vehicle’s driver. Banožić was reportedly taken to the hospital with what were described as serious injuries.

A letter will be sent to the president of the Croatian parliament and Anušić’s nomination will be put to a parliament plenary vote Thursday “Given the significance in these global circumstances, we want the process to be as fast as possible,” the government said.