Predrag Matić

Predrag Fred Matić (2 June 1962 – 23 August 2024) was a Croatian centre-left politician of the Social Democratic Party who served as a Member of European Parliament from 2019 to his death. He previously served as Minister of Veterans' Affairs from 2011 to 2016, in the Cabinet of Zoran Milanović.

Early life Matić was born in Požega, Croatia on 2 June 1962. He attended University of Osijek from which he graduated with a B.A. in education.

Military career During the summer of 1991, Matić served in Croatian Armed Forces as one of the defenders of Trpinjska Street in Vukovar, during the Battle of Vukovar. He was captured in November 1991 and throughout nine months was exposed to almost daily torture in Serbian concentration camps, including in the Stajićevo camp. In summer 1992 he was released, and for his bravery and heroism was awarded with numerous medals and military decorations, followed by a discharge with a rank of brigadier of Croatian Army.

Political career Career in national politics After the war, Matić worked in the Cabinet of the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia and held the post of Chief and Spokesman of General Affairs at its Office from 1994 to 1998. From 1998 to 2000, he was the head of the Ministry of Croatian Veterans and from 2004 to 2005 served as an advisor to Deputy Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor.

Member of the European Parliament, 2019–2024 Matić was a Member of the European Parliament from the 2019 elections. In parliament, he served on the Committee on Fisheries and on the Committee on Culture and Education. He was an alternate member of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality, where he served as the parliament's rapporteur on sexual and reproductive health and rights in the EU.

In addition to his committee assignments, Matić was part of the Parliament's delegation for relations with the Arab Peninsula.

Political positions In 2018, Matić commented on Aleksandar Vučić's statement that Croatia wanted a country without Serbs, comparing it to Adolf Hitler's comments on how he wanted Germany without Jews.

Death Matić died on 23 August 2024, at the age of 62.