ZAGREB, July 5 (Hina) - Croatia's resigned Prime Minister Ivica Racan on Friday addressed the public via television and radio explaining the reasons for his resignation.
ZAGREB, July 5 (Hina) - Croatia's resigned Prime Minister Ivica
Racan on Friday addressed the public via television and radio
explaining the reasons for his resignation. #L#
The government today can look back on two and a half years of
experience as a coalition government and we are aware that we have
implemented a part of the programme that earned us the trust of the
citizens, but a lot remains to be done. We accept the citizens'
criticism and dissatisfaction with our not having met all promises,
Racan said.
He admitted that citizens were right to believe that coalition
members had been too preoccupied with themselves in recent months
and began generating political problems instead of solving them.
Racan said that although some citizens saw his tolerance and
efforts to reach agreement as indecisiveness, he had nevertheless
insisted on such a stand, aware that it was detrimental to his
political reputation.
"In recent weeks, however, statements from within the coalition
itself began to emerge to the effect that the coalition is a spent
force, that people did not support it any more, there were
speculations about early elections. The situation culminated last
week when one of the coalition parties effectively blocked the work
of the Government and prevented the Sabor from passing decisions,"
Racan said, adding that such conduct jeopardised all positive
results achieved so far, as well as the implementation of other
tasks.
"At that point I had to say: we cannot go on like this," Racan said,
stressing that the destiny of the country's citizens was more
important than anyone's political career, which was why he tendered
his resignation.
Racan thanked former government members and Croatian citizens for
trust and patience.
The incumbent government will continue performing their duties
responsibly until a new government is set up, Racan said.
"I am interested in the future - the future of our country, our
society, and our people, particularly the young ones. I am willing
to assume my share of responsibility for that future. I am ready to
contribute to a new, constructive coalition government with a
different composition. If I receive the support of the Presidents
of the Republic and the Sabor, I will continue working, together
with the Government, to the benefit of our citizens and Croatia,"
Racan said.
Racan stressed that there was no constitutional crisis in the
country, "as some have been claiming".
"This is a process of resolving political problems and removing
obstacles in line with the Croatian Constitution and law. Croatia
is proving to be a law-based, peaceful and stable country, both to
its citizens and its guests."
"The resignation of the government is not the end, it is a chance for
a new beginning," Racan concluded, calling for diligence and a
reasonable and responsible behaviour.
(hina) rml sb