OPATIJA, Nov 8 (Hina) - A panel debate was held in the northern Adriatic resort of Opatija on Saturday on political parties' platforms for November 23 parliamentary elections. Party representatives answered questions about the solving
of problems which, according to public opinion polls, worry Croatians the most.
OPATIJA, Nov 8 (Hina) - A panel debate was held in the northern
Adriatic resort of Opatija on Saturday on political parties'
platforms for November 23 parliamentary elections. Party
representatives answered questions about the solving of problems
which, according to public opinion polls, worry Croatians the most.
#L#
The debate was organised by the International Republican Institute
and was attended by representatives of the Croatian Democratic
Union (HDZ), the Croatian People's Party (HNS), the Social Liberals
(HSLS), the Party of Rights (HSP), the Croatian Peasant Party
(HSS), Libra, the Liberal Party, and the Social Democrats (SDP).
Party officials answered most questions similarly and views did not
differ significantly on any issue, according to reporters.
Replying to the question how to increase employment and improve the
care system, Antun Vujic of the SDP said it was necessary to
continue with big projects, such as road- and house-building, as
well as with local projects.
Vujic said Croatia was no longer in crisis.
Speaking on behalf of the HNS, Pero Lucin answered a question about
the allocation of the government budget by saying that investments
were most needed in reforms of the judiciary and state
administration, education and health. He said that was crucial for
Croatia's admission to the European Union.
Asked about how to settle the debt to pensioners, Hrvoje Vojkovic of
the HSLS said part of the money should be paid in cash, part in
government bonds, and the rest in vouchers.
Miomir Zuzul of the HDZ said that if it won the election, this party
would abolish radio and television subscription for retired
persons.
Tonci Tadic of the HSP said exports and the positive balance of
payments could be increased by developing domestic production and
domestic brands, which the other parties' representatives accepted
in principle.
Replying to the question how to step up the efficiency of the
judiciary, reduce red tape, and ensure law enforcement, Milivoj
Marsic of the HSS said the model of conducting trials should be
changed, while Libra's Zrinjka Glovacki-Bernardi said current
trials should be conducted forcefully and administrative hurdles
be eliminated.
According to Vujic, there should be more public pressure in order to
settle the excessive number of backlog cases.
Zuzul declined to say explicitly whether the HDZ, if it came into
power, would ban abortions or arrest and extradite General Ante
Gotovina to the Hague war crimes tribunal.
Vujic said there was no possibility of an SDP-HDZ coalition.
(hina) ha