SPLIT: SDP HOLDS ELECTION RALLY

SPLIT, Nov 13 (Hina) - The president of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and head of the party slate in constituency no. 10, Ivica Racan, spoke about the achievements of the coalition government in Split and Dalmatia in the past fours years at an election rally in Split. #L# He recalled the government session in Split two years ago, when he said a historic decision had been made to build the Zagreb-Split highway. "We were not trusted then, insults were hurled at us, yet in the meantime half the highway has been completed. We have proved over the past four years that this is a stable country, we have kick- started development, and with a five percent growth rate, which will be this year's growth rate in Europe, we are the champions of economic growth," Racan said. The SDP leader added that the Zagreb-Split railway was being modernised and announced the construction of a gas supply system in Dalmatia. Unlike the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), the SDP does have an economic programme, Racan said. "We do not agree with the HDZ's vision of economic development. For example, HDZ president Ivo Sanader said in Opatija yesterday that once they came to power they would re-establish the old tax system, which means that the poor will pay more taxes than the rich. We strongly oppose such concepts. We will lead Croatia into Europe, we have already created conditions for that, provided, of course, that we continue working successfully as we have so far," Racan said. He reiterated that "after tightening the belt, the years to come will bring an increase in living standards" and promised again that "pensioners will be given back their pensions in full". After the official part of the rally, pop singer Severina held a concert. (hina) rml sb