"Seks's attempted denial is both factually and logically senseless," the paper's editors said in a statement.
Seks said in his denial that responding to the question by the Jutarnji List reporter whether the HDZ had decided not to run in presidential elections, he replied: "I am not saying that."
Jutarnji List claims that Seks responded to this question by saying: "I am not saying that, but it should all be taken into consideration," whereby he left open the possibility of the HDZ not nominating its presidential candidate.
Moreover, the president of the Sabor and one of the HDZ leaders explained in detail why the HDZ may give up presidential elections. He literally said in the interview: "Any failure of an HDZ-backed candidate would certainly have repercussions on the position of the government and the prime minister and on local elections. Since we are being asked all the time whether the HDZ will have its candidate, I can only say that this will all be taken into consideration."
"This statement by Seks clearly shows that the HDZ is considering the possibility of giving up presidential elections," Jutarnji List said.
The newspaper's editors pointed out that Seks had authorised the interview and that they possess the tape of the interview.