ZAGREB, 7 July 2022 - Outgoing Finance Minister Zdravko Marić said on Thursday that it is now the best time for him to quit the government because all the most important goals in the field of public finances have been achieved, adding that he does not have any new employment arrangements for the time being.
Addressing a press conference after a cabinet meeting, Marić said that European Union Ecofin's certain decision on Croatia's entry into the euro area next week will be the "highlight" of his involvement in the government and that this completes the government's achievements in the field of public finances.
"The tangible results, goals and priorities that have been set have been achieved," said Marić.
"I feel a sense of satisfaction, fulfilment and pride with being a part of the team that achieved all that. The same feeling tells me that this is the moment to make this decision. This is the best moment (to step down)," he underscored.
He sent a message to citizens that "despite all the economic and financial challenges, Croatia is doing better than ever" and is much more resilient to crises than before.
"I no longer see myself in politics at the moment, I want to head in another direction," said Marić.
As for his successor, Marko Primorac, Marić said that he knew him professionally and that they had cooperated in the past.
I am certain he will do a good job, added Marić.
Marić underlined that "at the moment" he does not have anything "agreed, contracted or promised with any state or European institution or any private company or firm" because of his personal principles and legal obligations.
He added that he considered his job as a minister to be his second most important role in life after that of a father.
He also said that he is in good physical and mental health and "in his best years."
He thanked Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and former PM Tihomir Orešković and former and current colleagues, members of the government, HDZ and citizens, as well as his family and the media, for their support.
