ZAGREB, Feb 9 (Hina) - "We support the government in the whole, but the HDZ (Croatian Democratic Union) will vote against its programme," the president of the parliamentary bench of the strongest Opposition party said in Zagreb on
Wednesday. The HDZ believes the government programme contains nothing of the promise of a higher standard of living the Six-party coalition made to the electoral body before winning parliamentary elections in January, Vladimir Seks of the HDZ said. The formerly ruling party is thus the only party who will not endorse the new government's programme for the next four years which Premier Ivica Racan today presented to parliament. "Where are the promises which helped the electoral victory," asked Seks. The government promised voters higher salaries and pension refunds, but is now announcing saving and austerity, he explained. He objected to the programme's suggesting HDZ
ZAGREB, Feb 9 (Hina) - "We support the government in the whole, but
the HDZ (Croatian Democratic Union) will vote against its
programme," the president of the parliamentary bench of the
strongest Opposition party said in Zagreb on Wednesday.
The HDZ believes the government programme contains nothing of the
promise of a higher standard of living the Six-party coalition made
to the electoral body before winning parliamentary elections in
January, Vladimir Seks of the HDZ said.
The formerly ruling party is thus the only party who will not
endorse the new government's programme for the next four years
which Premier Ivica Racan today presented to parliament.
"Where are the promises which helped the electoral victory," asked
Seks. The government promised voters higher salaries and pension
refunds, but is now announcing saving and austerity, he explained.
He objected to the programme's suggesting HDZ's authority was
responsible for every problem in the past ten years, and the fact
that the government had not drafted a detailed analysis of the
encountered state of affairs.
Croatia needs a "radical shock therapy", and this year already the
government must take the most unpleasant steps, despite their
possible unpopularity, said Damir Kajin of the Istrian Democratic
Assembly.
He said this year's biggest problem was the inevitable growth of
budgetary income. It will not be possible to govern the state with
the announced state budget of 42 billion kuna (US$5.4 billion),
Kajin said, assessing insolvency as the "cancer wound".
Anto Djapic endorsed the new government's programme on behalf of
the Croatian Party of Rights/Croatian Christian Democratic Union
bench, but objected to the absence of defence mechanisms,
especially in foreign affairs.
Speaking about the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe, Djapic said
the government should have an answer to ideas on the establishment
of a tariff and monetary union in the region.
He supported the government's commitment to enhance relations with
neighbouring countries, but said the government should open the war
damages and succession to the former Yugoslav federation issues.
Djapic suggested the possibility of citizens deciding on key issues
through referendum should be incorporated into changes to the
Constitution.
(hina) ha mm