ZAGREB, Jan 30 (Hina) - The presidential candidate of the democratic-social liberal coalition which won recent parliamentary elections on Sunday gave Hina an interview in which he spoke about his campaign ahead of a February 7
run-off. I do not represent any danger for Croatia's democratic future, said Drazen Budisa, adding he felt politically responsible for performing his duties to the citizens of Croatia first of all to the two parties supporting him, and if elected president, to the Constitution as well. Budisa reminded he labelled himself a "transition president", adding the calling of another presidential election could ensue following constitutional changes, and would depend on the changes' character. Budisa said his campaign in the presidential run-off would be directed at unmasking a populist policy of prattle, a primitive political culture, a HDZ-ism with formally a
ZAGREB, Jan 30 (Hina) - The presidential candidate of the
democratic-social liberal coalition which won recent
parliamentary elections on Sunday gave Hina an interview in which
he spoke about his campaign ahead of a February 7 run-off.
I do not represent any danger for Croatia's democratic future, said
Drazen Budisa, adding he felt politically responsible for
performing his duties to the citizens of Croatia first of all to the
two parties supporting him, and if elected president, to the
Constitution as well.
Budisa reminded he labelled himself a "transition president",
adding the calling of another presidential election could ensue
following constitutional changes, and would depend on the changes'
character.
Budisa said his campaign in the presidential run-off would be
directed at unmasking a populist policy of prattle, a primitive
political culture, a HDZ-ism with formally anti-HDZ speeches which
claims to represent the civic centre. The HDZ (Croatian Democratic
Union) was Croatia's formerly ruling party.
Budisa said he was referring to his counter-candidate Stipe Mesic,
adding behind him and applauding were Radimir Cacic, Vesna Pusic,
Vlado Gotovac, officials of the "Four" party coalition. I think
these people are tormenting themselves because they know well what
HDZ populism is, but this message is for them, he said.
Budisa conceded officials of the "Four" might feel hostile towards
him given their past, but pointed he was the guarantee of rational,
democratic, and responsible politics.
It is sad the "Four" is willing to justify Mesic's nebulosity and
impropriety, Budisa said. "His political statements have weight,
and I will openly say they are dangerous."
Asked how he saw Mesic at this moment, Budisa said he saw him as the
exponent of political parties, interest lobbies afraid of new
Croatian Premier Ivica Racan's government. This is why Mesic is
surrounding himself with a very diverse company who, Budisa said,
will help him "win the election by threatening he fill up prisons,
while at the same time being this company's guarantee that it
actually won't be so."
Budisa said Mesic's statements constantly indicated the
possibility of future confrontation between the new president of
the republic and the new government and parliament. Asked to
explain his claim, Budisa said his conclusion was based on Mesic's
insufficient will to support Racan's government.
"While we are forming the government, Mesic is talking about
replacing it. These are premature, negative psychological and
political messages," Budisa said.
"It would have huge psychological significance if in his political
statements he supported his government, which is composed of
parties of the 'Six', and in which one of three key seats in the
state, that of the president of the multi-party parliament, will go
to 'Four' representative Zlatko Tomcic. What monopoly is Mesic then
talking about?"
Mesic's speeches focus more on his authority as controller of and
factor of balance towards the new government in case it fails to
function properly, Budisa asserted, adding they were made at a very
delicate moment, when the new parliament had still not convened.
Budisa further said Mesic had pulled out of a "Six" coalition
agreement, as well as on his partners in the "Four" who, he said,
were finding it increasingly difficult to "tie him."
Even Mesic's statement that he did "not account to any party or
coalition, except to Croatia's citizens," according to Budisa
meant Mesic had deceived his own and the other parties supporting
him in the presidential campaign.
Asked to comment on Zdravko Tomac's statement that Budisa must win
the presidential election so that the promises the winning
coalition made before January 3 parliamentary elections might be
kept, Budisa said the president of his electoral headquarters was
reacting to Mesic's statement that he would control the new
authorities.
"But after Mesic's repeated statements about Racan's government, I
will reiterate my argument that my victory absolutely guarantees
that we shall realise the programme we promised," Budisa said.
Budisa is the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic
Party/Croatian Social Liberal Party coalition.
(hina) ha