Parliament has not yet met for the inaugural session, and Živi Zid has already lost one of its MPs.
Hrvoje Runtić, an estranged MP of Živi Zid, announced on Monday that he has left the party after his recent public disagreements with Živi Zid leadership. At the same time, he was seen meeting in Zagreb with Nikola Grmoja, one of leaders of MOST, reports Večernji List on September 19, 2016.
At the meeting with Grmoja, Runtić was accompanied by his wife, who was also an official of Živi Zid. Runtić confirmed that he met with Grmoja. “Yes, we did meet for a cup of coffee. I did not try to hide anything. In the last few days, I have said that if I stay as an independent member of Parliament, I would stick to my principles, and my priority will be 330,000 people with frozen bank accounts. I want to see what I can do for these people”, said Runtić.
“I received a call from MOST because they have some ideas in this regard. They wanted me to look at their proposals and talk with them. The day before yesterday they sent me some documents related to changes of relevant laws”, said Runtić to journalists. He was later seen entering the headquarters of the Office for Suppression of Corruption and Organized Crime, where he probably gave evidence regarding his allegations that he had seen Živi Zid leaders receiving illegal campaign donations.
He said that he remained firm in his decision that he would not join any party. He added that he had decided to meet with MOST because the party needs at least 15 votes in Parliament to be able to propose that certain laws should be adopted in an expedited parliamentary procedure. “Since they have 13 MPs, they are looking for two MPs so they would have 15 votes when it comes to voting on expedited procedure”, said Runtić. He reiterated that he would stay as an independent MP in Parliament and act “in accordance with programme principles of Živi Zid”.
Hrvoje Runtić’s decision to leave Živi Zid was expected since he and Živi Zid leadership have exchanged various allegations since the elections. Party leader Ivan Vilibor Sinčić said that Runtić did not answer his phone since the election night, while Runtić said he did not want to participate in a circus. Runtić accused Sinčić, and other party leaders Palfi and Pernar, for making decision without consultations with other party bodies.
Interestingly, in last Parliament, MOST in eight months lost 7 MPs, who became independent MPs or founded their own political parties. It seems that in this Parliament, MOST could gain a few seats.
