"It would be strange if the vice president had no ambition to become the president," Racan told the press, underlining that he was satisfied the SDP had capable people with strong personalities.
He recalled the strongest opposition party would elect a new leadership in three years and voiced confidence that members would elect the most mature and most responsible person for president.
Commenting on a reporter's claim that the focus of media attention was Antunovic's candidacy instead the SDP's position on the economy and security, which the party discussed last weekend, Racan said he believed that had not been Antunovic's intention but that she would have to be more careful in the future.
Commenting on the performance of the incumbent government, Racan said the ruling Croatian Democratic Union's propaganda could no longer disguise the increasing insecurity of citizens.
"The government is surviving and can do so for another four years, but the question is can the citizens and no propaganda can help with this," Racan said, adding the Ivo Sanader Cabinet had neither people nor programmes for major changes.
He said the SDP was not opening a campaign for early elections with such criticisms, but was doing its job as the opposition by showing there was an alternative to poor government. He added the SDP was ready for early elections.
Asked if the SDP would ask in parliament the resignation of Deputy PM Damir Polancec because of the Liburnia privatisation scandal, Racan said "nothing would be gained with the replacement of one man in a bad government".