Ivana Kekin is a Croatian psychiatrist and politician who has stood out in recent years as a vocal advocate of social justice, human rights and reform of the health system. She was born in Zagreb, where she finished her education and started a successful medical career. After years of working in the field of psychiatry, she decided to transfer her professional knowledge and social engagement to the political arena, by joining the Platform we can!, where she occupies an important place in the creation of public policies.
Her political involvement was marked by the struggle for transparency, equality and protection of vulnerable social groups. As a member of parliament, she is known for harsh, argumentative statements and willingness to oppose political hypocrisy, regardless of the ideological spectrum. The public also recognizes her for her active participation in discussions about mental health, women’s rights, education and the work of institutions.
In addition to her professional and political engagement, Ivana Kekin is also known for her family life – she is the wife of former Minister of Health Vili Beroš, and they are raising two children together. The combination of expertise, determination and social engagement makes her one of the most notable figures of the new generation of Croatian politicians. More about her parliamentary work is available at pages of the Croatian Parliament”
Ivana Kekin’s early life and education
Ivana Kekin She was born in 1979 in Zagreb, where she spent her childhood and youth. From an early age, she showed an interest in science, social issues and helping others, which directed her towards medicine. She finished primary and secondary school in her hometown, and thanks to her dedication and excellent grades, she entered the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Zagreb without difficulty.
During her studies, she expressed a special interest in mental health and psychiatry, an area that would later become her professional specialty. After completing her medical studies, she continued her specialization in psychiatry, further improving herself through various educations and seminars related to mental health, psychotherapy and psychosocial work. The acquired knowledge was not only used in clinical work, but also in public appearances and initiatives to improve the system of psychiatric care in Croatia.
During her education, Ivana Kekin developed a critical view of social problems, which would later play a key role in her entry into political life.
psychiatric career and professional contributions
After completing her specialization in psychiatry, Ivana Kekin started work at KBC Zagreb, where she devoted herself to the treatment of patients with various forms of mental difficulties. During her career, she gained a reputation as a professional, empathetic and engaged doctor who approaches problems not only medically, but also through a wider social context. She showed special interest in community psychiatry, destigmatization of mental illnesses and psychotherapy work.
In addition to her clinical work, she has participated in numerous professional educations and public forums dedicated to mental health. Through interviews, panels and media appearances, she emphasized the importance of a more accessible and humane system of psychiatric care, but also the need for greater investment in prevention, especially among young people. Her voice became recognizable in the academic community, but also among experts who deal with social aspects of health.
In addition to her medical work, Ivana Kekin became increasingly involved in initiatives that connect healthcare with politics, advocating for a fairer and more efficient healthcare system. It was this combination of expertise and social responsibility that was the forerunner of her later political career.
Entering politics and engagement in the platform can!
Ivana Kekin enters politics, guided by the belief that systematic changes in healthcare, social care and society as a whole are not possible without active political action. She took her first political steps within the progressive political spectrum, where she stood out as a voice of reason, expertise and consistency. She joined the green-left political platform We can!, recognizing it as a space in which he can simultaneously represent his values and use expert knowledge for concrete social changes.
We can in the platform! Very quickly she became a prominent member, and her expertise in the field of psychiatry and understanding social problems made her an important actor in shaping policies related to health, mental health, combating violence, gender equality and human rights. In addition, she advocated for reforms in education, housing policy and social protection.
Ivana Kekin is known for not avoiding conflicts when it comes to the fundamental principles of justice and equality. Her political engagement is characterized by open communication, willingness to dialogue and clearly articulated attitudes. In the public, it stands out as one of the authentic political figures of the New Left, and its presence in the Parliament has further strengthened the political visibility of the Platform!
Activities and attitudes as a member of parliament
Ivana Kekin becomes a member of parliament in the 2020 parliamentary elections as a member of the Club of Representatives of the Green-Left Bloc, led by the platform We can!. In the Croatian Parliament, she very quickly established herself as a principled, argumentative and socially conscious representative. With his performances, he often draws the public’s attention to topics that normally remain in the shadows – such as mental health, the position of vulnerable groups, violence against women, patient rights and the availability of health care.
She is particularly involved in the reform of the system of psychiatric protection and public health as a whole, often warning about shortcomings in the department that she herself has followed for years from professional experience. He advocates greater investment in preventive measures, better protection of patient rights and fight against stigmatization of people with mental disabilities. He is also a frequent critic of the ruling majority when it comes to the absence of transparency, clientelism and neglect of citizens’ social needs.
Ivana Kekin is known for direct but reasoned speech, often presenting unpopular truths and clearly expressing disagreement with the policies she considers harmful. As a member of parliament, she regularly participates in debates, questions the government and proposes concrete measures that arise from her professional knowledge and political belief. Her involvement in Parliament further confirms her commitment to the idea of politics as a public service, not a privilege.
Private life, husband and family of Ivana Kekin
Behind Ivana Kekin’s public and political role is a stable family life, to which she attaches great importance. She is married to Dr. Vili Beroš, a Croatian neurosurgeon and former minister of health, with whom she has two children. Their relationship is often the subject of public interest, given that they come from different political environments – Kekin from the left-progressive, and Beroš from the conservative political current. Despite this, both publicly emphasize mutual respect and separation of professional and private spheres of life.
Ivana Kekin speaks moderately and in moderation about her private life, rarely giving details that are not related to her public engagement. He considers his family an important support and source of balance in dynamic political and professional life. In media appearances, he often emphasizes the importance of joint parenting, work and private life balance, and emotional support in partnership relationships.
As a mother, wife and doctor, Kekin clearly communicates the values of equality, respect and mutual concern. Although politically active and publicly exposed, she successfully maintains a private space for herself and her family, thereby further confirming her consistency in promoting the balance between professional obligations and personal life.
Cover photo: Ivana Kekin – Portrait Cropped.jpg, we can!, CC BY 4.0, Via Wikimedia Commons.
