Zlatko Mateša

Zlatko Mateša, born on June seventeenth, nineteen forty-nine, in Zagreb, has made significant contributions to both sports and politics in Croatia. He began his career as a water polo player before transitioning into the political arena, where he became a prominent member of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ).

After obtaining a law degree from the University of Zagreb in nineteen seventy-four, Mateša joined INA in nineteen seventy-eight, where he advanced to the role of assistant director. His political journey commenced in nineteen ninety, and he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a close associate of notable figures such as Nikica Valentić and Franjo Gregurić.

On November fourth, nineteen ninety-five, he was appointed as the sixth Prime Minister of Croatia by President Franjo Tuđman. His government is particularly noted for implementing the value-added tax, which was established in nineteen ninety-six and fixed at twenty-two percent for all products by nineteen ninety-eight. He served as Prime Minister until the year two thousand.

Following his tenure in government, Mateša was elected to the Sabor in the two thousand parliamentary elections, serving until the end of two thousand three. In two thousand two, he took on the role of president of the Croatian Olympic Committee, a position he continues to hold. Additionally, in two thousand nine, he earned a Ph.D. from Beijing Sport University, further solidifying his commitment to sports and education.