"My message to those who wish to create the illusion that the SDP is in a state of emergency is: the SDP is indeed in a state of emergency, but not due to what they are speculating but due to preparations to come into power," Antunovic told the press.
She took over the leadership of the strongest opposition party since Racan's revelation yesterday that he is suffering from an atypical tumour in his right shoulder.
Antunovic said the SDP was not afraid that its rating would drop because of Racan's condition, adding the party was strong, well-organised and functioned well regardless of whether someone from its leadership was missing.
She said the SDP had planned its preparations for the November parliamentary elections last September and that the party and all its bodies were in touch with Racan.
Asked if the party had a plan B in case Racan decided to permanently withdraw from politics, Antunovic said the SDP leader had said he was withdrawing temporarily and that more would be known about his decision in about a month, when more news was expected concerning his illness.
"The SDP is a party recognisable by its strong team. We have people who can perform at any moment the task the party entrusts them with."
The head of the party's public relations, Gordana Grbic, said there was no news today regarding Racan's condition and announced the party would duly notify the public, most likely tomorrow.