"I support economic measures aimed at the implementation of the reform, but I recall that Croatia is a social state and that social justice, as a part of the Croatian political tradition, is in particular important in times of crisis," the president said in his speech at the reception he gave for representatives of the executive, legislative and judicial authorities, religious dignitaries and foreign diplomats in Croatia.
In attendance to the event were Parliament Speaker Luka Bebic, Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor, ministers, lawmakers, army officials, business people, war veterans and nongovernmental organisations' representatives.
Speaking of the importance of social justice, Josipovic said that it did not mean "a just distribution of the burden of the crisis but also the right of workers to a decent wage, dignity and social security."
A large number of signatures collected by the trade unions to get a referendum on labour legislation clearly shows that citizens want social justice, he added.
He cited irregularities in ownership transformation and privatisation and irresponsible performance of state authorities as causes of the crisis.
Therefore, economic development measures will not suffice to get the country out of the crisis, it is also necessary to carry out an uncompromising struggle against corruption and organised crime and against laziness and irresponsibility, he said.
In this context the president applauded the latest changes in the country's legal system, such as provisions making it impossible for privatisation crimes to fall out of the statute of limitations.
He recalled that Croatia was close to completing its European Union accession negotiations, adding that the pace of the negotiating process considerably depends on the EU relevant agencies and that the Croatian government is doing its utmost to carry on reforms and see to it that Croatia enter the Union.
The president paid tribute to all who contributed to the establishment of the independent and sovereign Croatia, notably to soldiers who built their lives into the homeland's foundations.