ZAGREB, Nov 4 (Hina) - The leaders of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), Ivica Racan and Ivo Sanader respectively, on Tuesday evening dismissed a possibility of forming a coalition after the
election, which some media have been speculating about.
ZAGREB, Nov 4 (Hina) - The leaders of the Social Democratic Party
(SDP) and the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), Ivica Racan and Ivo
Sanader respectively, on Tuesday evening dismissed a possibility
of forming a coalition after the election, which some media have
been speculating about. #L#
Racan and Sanader said during the "Forum" show on Croatian
Television that their parties were the biggest political parties in
Croatia which was why they were in the focus of media's attention
and the untruths were often written about them.
"I can only say that a coalition with the HDZ is not a part of the
SDP's election programme," Racan said. Sanader added that such a
coalition was out of the question.
Also speaking at the show were Croatian Peasant Party (HSS)
president Zlatko Tomcic, Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS)
president Drazen Budisa, Croatian Party of Rights (HSP) president
Anto Djapic and Croatian People's party (HNS) president Vesna
Pusic.
Tomcic said HSS would go to the polls independently, adding that the
party would negotiate about possible post-election coalitions
after the November 23 elections.
Pusic reiterated that the break up of the incumbent coalition would
mean the betrayal of the project Croatia which is aimed at creating
a modern and democratic European country.
Djapic believes that coalition parties -- the SDP, the HNS, and the
HSS -- are equally to be blamed for the mistakes of the incumbent
government.
Racan is confident that Croatia's future was in coalition
governments as is the case in European countries.
He said that the mandate of his government was successful in most
parts, adding that his government would finish what it had started
in the next mandate.
Sanader criticised the incumbent government for "clientele
approach and fight for positions". He also pointed to a large
increase in the foreign debt.
Budisa also criticised the incumbent authority, accusing it of
failing to meet the promises it made before the 2000 election, which
is why the HSLS left the coalition.
(hina) it sb