During the debate Damir Kajin of the Istrian Democratic Party (IDS) accused the Jadranka Kosor cabinet of trying "to eliminate the public broadcaster" through the draft legislation and the proposal for a lower monthly subscription fee to the HRT.
"I absolutely repudiate all what MP Kajin has said as it is untrue," PM Kosor said reiterating that the HRT was operating in Croatia which she said was "considerably hit by the economic crisis".
"We have clearly stated in the Economic Recovery Programme that we are going to reduce non-tax levies in a bid to help the economy. And we have done it (reduced fees paid) to the Hrvatske Sume (forestry management company), Hrvatske Vode (water management company) and the National Tourist Board" Kosor said explaining that the HRT subscription fee should be also treated and that its reduction should be viewed as a measure of supporting the population.
She recalled that during her talks with the HRT leadership it was agreed that the HRT directorate must draw up a restructuring programme by 1 October and that the subscription cut would be prolonged by that date.