ZAGREB, May 9, 2018 - The leaders of the GLAS, Istrian Democratic Party (IDS) and Pametno parties, Anka Mrak Taritaš, Boris Miletić and Marijana Puljak respectively, signed a statement of cooperation for a better Croatia on Wednesday, marking the official start of their joint political activities in preparations for elections for the European Parliament and for presidential and general elections in Croatia.
The leaders of the three parties, dubbed the "Amsterdam Coalition," said they wanted to offer hope and a better future for Croatia.
Mrak Taritaš underscored that the three parties shared the same values and were prepared to do their utmost to build a decent civil society and state.
It isn't coincidental that we signed this statement in the Europa cinema on Europe Day and Victory Over Fascism Day because today, in Croatia and Europe, right-wing extremism and populism are on the rise. These three parties, together with liberals throughout Europe, have to be the voice of reason and freedom and a shield against right-wing radicalism, Mrak Taritaš said.
Miletić claimed that Istria is the most advanced region in Croatia, that it wants to be alongside the most developed regions in Europe, and that is what they want for Croatia too, adding that that can be achieved with different and smart policies. The three parties advocate decentralisation of Croatia, which is currently one of the most centralised countries in Europe, as well as economic development, particularly in tourism, Miletić added.
Puljak said that the agreement signed today is the first step towards a coalition agreement ahead of the European parliamentary election next year. She added that all stages and provisions of the future coalition agreement would be public. Miletić added that the three parties were already collaborating in parliament, as evident in their joint initiative regarding the ratification of the Istanbul Convention.
Asked whether the coalition could be expanded to include other parties, Puljak said they don't want to be exclusive but inclusive, and that anyone who can help Croatia with their knowledge is welcome. "However, we have a value system and it is time to say enough to certain things in this country. We make decisions by consensus and that is how we will decide whether or not to accept anyone into our coalition," Puljak said.
