Asked why the strongest Opposition party would not form a coalition at the next parliamentary elections with the Istrian Democratic Party (IDS) in the 8th constituency, Milanovic said that circumstances had changed over the past four years.
"We had good experience and election coalition with the IDS four years ago. However, we will compete at the forthcoming parliamentary elections independently in entire Croatia, which is a consequence of our confidence in our own ability and strength and support we enjoy across Croatia," Milanovic said.
Commenting on yesterday's statement by President Stjepan Mesic who suspects that Austrian authorities were protecting bankers who have helped plunder Croatia, Milanovic said he was not sure whether Austria protected them, but stressed that there were unjustified attempts to create an impression that Croatia was in some sort of a state of emergency at the moment.
"The fact is that this is an act a fugitive who is using all means to avoid extradition to Croatia," Milanovic concluded