The current HDZ leader, Prime Minister Ivo Sanader, said the contribution of Tudjman and Croatian veterans to the independence and defence of Croatia must not be forgotten. "I am not calling on you to live in the past, but to learn from it so that we can avoid the traps which will certainly be put on Croatia's path also in the future," he said.
"Our history was difficult, but we always knew how to come out of a difficult situation and preserve Croatia's statehood thanks to the brave Croatian sons who led the Croatian people through history, and one of the greatest was Franjo Tudjman. As president of the HDZ and prime minister, I wish to express deep gratitude to and respect for Franjo Tudjman for everything he did for Croatia and the Croatian people and our future."
Sanader called for consensus on Tudjman's role in the creation of Croatia, in its defence from Greater Serbia aggression, and in the country's reconstruction, because he ran the show and knew what had to be done, which the PM underlined was unquestionable. "As time goes by, criticisms of Tudjman fade away and his achievement and legacy stay."
Speaking of this week's arrest of the most wanted Croatian war crimes fugitive, Ante Gotovina, and the current political situation, Sanader reiterated that he understood people's emotions, but called for remaining calm, having faith in oneself and confidence in the government and state institutions because they knew what to do and how to defend the truth about the 1990s Homeland War.
"No one, not even the Hague tribunal, will destroy the truth about the Homeland War, and the truth is that Croatia was attacked and the victim of Greater Serbia aggression, that it defended itself through legitimate liberation operations," said Sanader.
"I am glad there is more and more understanding and that a great part of the Croatian people, citizens and the public is on the side of reason and determination to defend the achievements of the Homeland War. Tudjman's policy was nothing else than that," said the PM.
"We can't live in isolation. We have to participate in international processes so that we could have a safer future."
Attending the commemoration at the old city hall were Parliament Speaker Vladimir Seks, deputy parliament speakers, members of the government, HDZ deputies and officials, and others.
A requiem mass for Tudjman was said at St. Mark's church by military bishop Juraj Jezerinac. In attendance, among others, were members of the government headed by the prime minister.
Tudjman established the HDZ in 1989 and became its first president. After the first democratic, multiparty elections in 1990 he was elected Croatian president. He was directly elected head of state in 1992 and 1997. Under his rule, Croatia was internationally recognised, became a member of the United Nations, and was defended from Greater Serbia aggression and occupation during the 1991-95 Homeland War. Tudjman died in Zagreb on 11 December 1999.