The HDZ Presidency said in a statement that as a politician, party leader and former prime minister Racan took part in the shaping of the most significant period in recent Croatian history and that as a person active in Croatia's public and political life for several decades, he carried within himself the traits of those times as well as the strength to accept change.
"His role and personal political engagement in the demanding times of the break-up of the former state impacted the course of political trends and the orientation of the Croatian public in those crucial moments. With his political maturity, he accepted the turnabout from the previous social, political and ideological system," said the ruling HDZ.
The party underlined that Racan confirmed his dedication to Croatia's EU membership also as chairman of the national committee monitoring accession negotiations with the EU and as one of the creators of the Alliance for Europe.
"The HDZ Presidency extends condolences to the SDP, confident that with its activity it will contribute to the strengthening of the democratic and pro-European Croatia."
HSU leader Vladimir Jordan told Hina Racan would be remembered as a leader who left an imprint on Croatia's past 15 years.
SDSS leader Milorad Pupovac said political life in Croatia would not be the same after Racan's death, either in the SDP or in other political parties, because Racan significantly impacted it with his personality and political style.