ZAGREB, Jan 30 (Hina) - The presidential candidate of the social liberal and democratic coalition which won Croatia's recent parliamentary elections, Drazen Budisa, on Sunday welcomed the new government's composition headed by Premier
Ivica Racan. The measures the new government has announced are "in keeping with the policy of the new direction which has come forward at the January 3 parliamentary election," he told reporters in Zagreb. The measures are evidence of the new government's credibility and show the government is willing to keep the promises made before parliamentary elections, Budisa said. He pointed out however, the winning coalition's policy would fail without new jobs and prospects for the young. Budisa also welcomed changes in legislation announced to reduce the president of the republic's authorities to appoint state secretaries in ministries and deputy ministers. The still
ZAGREB, Jan 30 (Hina) - The presidential candidate of the social
liberal and democratic coalition which won Croatia's recent
parliamentary elections, Drazen Budisa, on Sunday welcomed the new
government's composition headed by Premier Ivica Racan.
The measures the new government has announced are "in keeping with
the policy of the new direction which has come forward at the
January 3 parliamentary election," he told reporters in Zagreb.
The measures are evidence of the new government's credibility and
show the government is willing to keep the promises made before
parliamentary elections, Budisa said. He pointed out however, the
winning coalition's policy would fail without new jobs and
prospects for the young.
Budisa also welcomed changes in legislation announced to reduce the
president of the republic's authorities to appoint state
secretaries in ministries and deputy ministers. The still valid
legislation enabled the possibility of establishing a parallel
government, he pointed out, and also welcomed the abolishment of
state ministries.
If elected president, Budisa would offer Slaven Letica, who ran in
the first presidential round, the office of adviser for internal
affairs, former foreign minister Mate Granic, who also ran in the
first presidential round, the office of adviser for foreign
affairs, and retired general Antun Tus or sociologist Ozren Zunec
the office of adviser for defence and national security.
Budisa said he had not yet discussed his wishes with the persons in
question.
Commenting on the recent arrest of former tourism minister Ivan
Herak, Budisa said he expected the Interior Ministry in the future
would not be subject to political influence.
"I am sure the new authorities will insist on the criminal
prosecution of all criminals, regardless of their state or party
duties," he said.
Budisa refuted accusations from the electoral headquarters of
counter-candidate Stipe Mesic, which stated that Budisa's
electoral headquarters incorrectly presented the sources of
presidential campaign financing.
Budisa asserted his headquarters had turned down high donations,
not because of anybody's request for Budisa's obligations to the
donors, but because such demands might be made in the future.
Commenting on some media's assessment that he would be a "president
in army coat," Budisa said, "I have no intention whatsoever of
wearing a military uniform, except in war, but I hope this won't
happen during mine, or the next several mandates."
(hina) ha