ZAGREB, Feb 2 (Hina) - The newly-elected President of the Croatian National Sabor and House of Representatives, Zlatko Tomcic, said in an address to MPs at Wednesday's constituent session that today's act of constituting the
legislative and previously the executive authority completed the circle of changing a one-party system into a coalition of six partner-parties. Emphasising the obligation to strengthen the foundations which will enable the atmosphere of freedom to last longer in Croatia, Tomcic warned about the need for parliament to be permanently oriented toward the future. Developments over a number of years which preceded the recent parliamentary election did not justify optimistic expectations of some good constitutional solutions. "A general state of poverty has been worsened with a widely accepted opinion that the state organisation does not serve its real goals and that some people are using au
ZAGREB, Feb 2 (Hina) - The newly-elected President of the Croatian
National Sabor and House of Representatives, Zlatko Tomcic, said in
an address to MPs at Wednesday's constituent session that today's
act of constituting the legislative and previously the executive
authority completed the circle of changing a one-party system into
a coalition of six partner-parties.
Emphasising the obligation to strengthen the foundations which
will enable the atmosphere of freedom to last longer in Croatia,
Tomcic warned about the need for parliament to be permanently
oriented toward the future.
Developments over a number of years which preceded the recent
parliamentary election did not justify optimistic expectations of
some good constitutional solutions. "A general state of poverty has
been worsened with a widely accepted opinion that the state
organisation does not serve its real goals and that some people are
using authority for their own private interests. This resulted in
the establishment of parallel centres of authority, which was of
crucial importance for some segments of social development and
major political decisions," Tomcic said.
Estimating that Croatian citizens proved their democratic maturity
and determination at the January elections, Tomcic said those
citizens were now expecting those whom they elected to be decisive
and ensure economic prosperity, better living conditions for their
families, freedom, peace, and a full democracy.
The Sabor President said it was necessary to enable people to live
off their knowledge and work and make a social turn to the benefit of
farmers and pensioners.
Tomcic stressed the importance of preserving and promoting
democratic achievements and building democracy in society as well
as in the Sabor.
By opening up to civic and expert initiatives and regulating
procedural relations in line with good parliamentary customs,
parliament will open the door to democratic changes in the whole
society as well, Tomcic said, urging MPs to start carrying out this
task immediately.
He thanked a former Sabor President Vlatko Pavletic for his
contribution to a peaceful and democratic transfer of authority.
Tomcic, who will also hold the office of the Acting Head of State
until Croatia elects a new president, said he would perform his
duties as Acting Head of State conscientiously and responsibly.
(hina) rml