RACAN: RESHUFFLE OF GOVERNMENT LIKELY TO LEAD TO EARLY ELECTION

ZAGREB, April 7 (Hina) - The "sharp" reshuffle of the government will probably lead to a crisis in the government, the coalition and eventually to an early election, Croatia's Prime Minister Ivica Racan was quoted by Saturday's issue of the Vecernji List as saying. Racan added that neither he nor his party (Social Democratic Party or SDP) would stir up the early election, as this would prolong the settlement of issues for half a year. Asked about the impact of the atmosphere prior to the local ballot, set for May, on the work of his Cabinet and the ruling six-party coalition, PM Racan admitted that such a situation "is not an ally for the efficiency of the authorities," given that "a degree of competition is stronger than cooperation." The coalition government has to avoid ambitious tasks in the pre-election period, he explained. Asked about the possible reconstruction of the government, Racan answered that he talked about a change of ministers with no leader of the six parties. He added an early elections was possible only in the case "if we assess that in the current circumstances there are no minimum conditions for the government's competent and responsible work." (hina) ms