ZAGREB, May 29 (Hina) - The presidents of the six parties making up Croatia's ruling coalition agreed on Tuesday to form coalitions where possible in the impending constitution of local authorities, although in some areas coalitions
are possible with opposition parties, like the Democratic Centre, or with independent lists. "The ruling coalition is resolute to show it is capable of resolving open issues in its activity, as well as in the constitution of authorities on the local level," said the president of the Social Democrats (SDP), the strongest party in the coalition, Prime Minister Ivica Racan. The parties agreed on the possibility of forming big coalitions in the Vukovar-Srijem, Lika-Senj, Karlovac, and Sisak-Moslavina counties. These coalitions would be formed through negotiations with all parties which passed the electoral threshold, Racan told reporters. He did not say explicitly, howev
ZAGREB, May 29 (Hina) - The presidents of the six parties making up
Croatia's ruling coalition agreed on Tuesday to form coalitions
where possible in the impending constitution of local authorities,
although in some areas coalitions are possible with opposition
parties, like the Democratic Centre, or with independent lists.
"The ruling coalition is resolute to show it is capable of resolving
open issues in its activity, as well as in the constitution of
authorities on the local level," said the president of the Social
Democrats (SDP), the strongest party in the coalition, Prime
Minister Ivica Racan.
The parties agreed on the possibility of forming big coalitions in
the Vukovar-Srijem, Lika-Senj, Karlovac, and Sisak-Moslavina
counties. These coalitions would be formed through negotiations
with all parties which passed the electoral threshold, Racan told
reporters. He did not say explicitly, however, if this also
referred to the strongest opposition party, the Croatian
Democratic Union (HDZ), which won in those four counties in the May
20 local polls.
The ruling coalition chiefs today also discussed the constitution
of authority in the southern Adriatic city of Split. Racan said the
SDP might form a coalition with the Social Liberals (HSLS), despite
a statement by HSLS president Drazen Budisa that he would tell the
Split branch not to form coalitions with either the SDP or the HDZ.
It was also agreed that in areas where the six ruling parties can
constitute the authority, the right to elect the head of local
executive authority goes to the parties which won the most of the
vote. The appointment of other members to county and town
authorities would be decided through negotiations.
Issues in connection with the constitution of authorities in
counties and major towns will, in line with today's agreement, be
dealt with by party presidents. County officials would divide
authority in smaller towns and municipalities.
Racan said the chiefs of the ruling coalition parties would resume
talks on open issues on Friday.
(hina) ha sb