Božo Petrov also spoke about relations with HDZ and SDP, and other issues.
Speaker of Parliament Božo Petrov (MOST) said on Sunday that it was necessary to reach a consensus on the process of electing members of Constitutional Court. He also denied there was conflict between HDZ and MOST, reports Jutarnji List on December 11, 2016.
“It is important which people are elected to the Constitutional Court and how. I think we should reach a consensus in order to change the way members of the Constitutional Court are elected. It is essential that citizens have confidence in such an important institution”, said Petrov, adding that on Monday he would respond to a letter sent by president of the Constitutional Court.
Petrov reiterated that the changes should increase transparency and that candidates should perhaps be subjected to security vetting. He also rejected allegations there were conflicts between MOST and HDZ. “We can have a different position than other parties, but there are no conflicts”, said Petrov, adding that prior to election of constitutional judges MOST warned about four candidates which were questionable. He noted that recent statements given by Interior Minister Vlaho Orepić should not be the focus of debates.
Petrov said that he expected to soon meet with new SDP president Davor Bernardić. “Some things need to be agreed and we need to reach a consensus with the opposition about several very important issues which are of strategic importance for the future of Croatia. There are four to five important things which need to be arranged so that there is a long-term strategy for Croatia, regardless of who is in power in four years”, said Petrov.
Asked about possible conflict between HDZ and MOST with regards to the EU funds, Petrov again said there was no conflict. “I saw it today in the newspapers, we should see what that is. I do not think there is a tremendous conflict.” The media reported that the HDZ-led Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds dismissed the new Waste Management Plan drafted by the MOST-led Ministry of Environmental Protection and Energy, which allegedly threatens withdrawal of 6.8 billion euros from EU funds.
