ZAGREB, August 7, 2019 - Prime Minister and Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) leader Andrej Plenković said on Wednesday that his predecessor at the HDZ helm, Tomislav Karamarko, who has recently said that he is thinking of his new candidacy for the party chief, had stood a chance and that things were moving on.
"I believe in the prudence of Croatian voters; people can see who takes which route for the country. Karamarko stood a chance, he definitely gave his contribution, however, things are moving on," Plenković said during his visit to the coastal resort of Opatija.
Plenković recalled that more than three years ago, when the HDZ was led by Karamarko, the party ousted its government. They failed to reconfigure a parliamentary majority, and Kramarko stepped down as the party leader, he added.
"In 2016 we swiftly put the party on its feet, won the confidence of voters and now we are leading the government and achieving excellent economic results, strengthening the country's international position and are trying to reduce polarisation in the society," the premier said.
In connection with Karamarko's criticism that the current leadership has made the party move away from its voters, Plenković responded that "the policy we are pursuing is healthy for the Croatian society and the HDZ".
Asked by accusations of the former president Ivo Josipović that the current president Kolinda Grabar Kitarović was under influence of alcohol during the central celebrations of Victory Day in Knin, Plenković said that those was "a very tough statement".
"The whole celebration passed in a nice and dignified manner with messages, speeches, being emotionally-charged," he said.
Asked by press to comment on chanting for the 'For the homeland ready' salute during the celebrations of Victory Day, Plenković said that it was up to the police to respond to such developments and also courts can get involved, if there are assessments that they should act.
"I can see that the police keep saying that regardless of their numerous activities, the things do not end up the way they (the police) have anticipated."
When they assess that there are offences, the police must respond, the premier said.
During his stay in Opatija, Plenković met local authorities for the talks on development plans of this Adriatic resort town.
More HDZ news can be found in the Politics section.
