Deputies of other parties did not expect the HDSSB's sudden change of position. Neither did Speaker Josip Leko, recalling that constitutional amendments were adopted by a two-thirds majority of all MPs.
"In other words, if someone who took part in the creation of constitutional amendments requested that their adoption be postponed or rejected it, we will ask that they send the reasons why or resume the negotiations or that the discussion on the matter be postponed," Leko told reporters.
He hoped that the HDSSB would respond in keeping with parliament's standards. "It's expected that the procedure is completed as appropriate to parliament. It's less important if this is in one day or ten days or later."
Dragutin Lesar of the opposition Labour Party also did not expect the HDSSB to back off. "This means that the sponsor of the constitutional amendments, the committee on the Constitution, has to meet and decide what to recommend to the speaker. As I understand it, the HDSSB wants the vote to be postponed until January."
As for the HDSSB's criticism that constitutional law experts had serious objections to the draft amendments, Lesar reiterated that some provisions were still being "polished" to see if experts' proposals could be included in the amendments.
Lesar does not expect the HDSSB to change its mind by Friday or the changes to be adopted as planned.
Srdjan Gurkovic of the ruling coalition's Croatian People's Party believes it is possible to clear up the disputes by Friday. He said every party must bear the responsibility of its decisions.
Davorin Mlakar of the opposition Croatian Democratic Union said he welcomed any sensible decision, including this one by the HDSSB.
The ruling Social Democratic Party would not comment on the HDSSB's decision, saying they would have a comment after meeting with the HDSSB.
Parliament begins the extraordinary session on Wednesday, discussing a package of financial laws.