Deputy PM says there are no major problems in the ruling coalition
HDZ President and First Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Karamarko said yesterday evening that new elections were not an option and that everything was going as planned. "Always when it comes to negotiations, especially about personnel issues, it is not easy, but when you look at it, we have managed to agree with MOST about everything so far", said Karamarko in Križevci. "There were some controversial issues, but we have solved them and we will continue to deal with them", reports Večernji List on March 4, 2016.
Asked why last night's meeting of the Patriotic Coalition in Križevci had been delayed, he said that they simply did not have enough time so had decided to meet on Friday, when they will also discuss yesterday's message sent by HSLS president Darinko Kosor who called on his coalition partners to "either reset their relations or have new elections".
Asked whether he talked with Deputy Prime Minister Božo Petrov, Karamarko said that he spoke by Petrov three times while travelling to Križevci and that they talk every day since they work in the same building. "Why do you think we are all the same, that we are clones or robots that do not have their own feelings, thoughts, views on certain issues? It is essential that we all agree in the end, and so far we have", added Karamarko.
Other members of the coalition also gave their thoughts about the current political situation. Nikola Grmoja (MOST) said that HDZ and MOST work together, although they do not think the same about all the issues.
Darinko Kosor said that the new government had not yet taken power in Croatia since they have only appointed new ministers and several deputy ministers. He added that the number of MPs from smaller members of the Patriotic Coalition and MOST was equal, but that MOST has six ministers while other partners have none. "Our part of the coalition is not really in power. Never mind, but let's deal with reforms. I am not talking only on behalf of HSLS, but on behalf of all other parties. We want to do what citizens have elected us to do", said Kosor.
Damir Jelić (HDZ) said that a lot of time was spent when MOST tried to form a tripartite government. "This current situation shows that problems are being solved slower than they need to be", he said. "The Cooperation Council is a well-conceived body, but it should be smaller."
Grmoja said that MOST would have nothing against new elections if the government were to become dysfunctional and if reforms could not be carried out. "We are not afraid of new elections. I know that the expectations from MOST are much higher and criteria much stringent. Despite a strong negative campaign in the media, MOST still has the support of about 10 percent of voters", concluded Grmoja.
