If the SDP wins parliamentary elections this autumn, it promises an average annual economic growth of six percent and higher so that this rate would reach seven percent at the end of its four-year term in office, representatives of the strongest opposition party told a news conference in Zagreb.
The SDP platform provides for conditions for long-term sustainable growth in living standards based on a rise in salaries, pensions and dividends which can be achieved only through an increase in industrial output of at least eight percent, Ljubo Jurcic said.
To achieve this, it is necessary to use the present production plants at maximum capacity and create conditions for new industrial branches as well as to ensure the equal development of all regions with economic infrastructure with at least four sectors developed in each region, Jurcic said.
The SDP is going to upgrade the national fiscal system and adjust taxes to the economic strength of tax payers.
One of new elements would be the equating of taxes paid on income from work and capital, which means that tax should be paid for every kind of income including on dividends from shares.
The SDP would direct investments from non-production into production sectors, ensure harmonised investment funds for the rehabilitation of health care, increase pensions and investment in education.
In response to media speculations that he may be prime minister in the future SDP-led government if the party wins the elections, Jurcic said he did not see himself as prime minister.
In this context Jurcic refuted speculations that SDP leader Ivica Racan and he had made a deal that he should take the post of premier.
"I have too much work to do in the economy. My duty has been to draft this economic platform and when we come to power I see myself as a person who will see it through," Jurcic said.