"Our main programme goal has been recognised, and that is the decentralisation of Croatia, namely giving new powers to local self-government as well as providing funds for their work via a total income tax and by setting aside one percent of VAT," Friscic said at an HSS convention in Jastrebarsko which gathered more than 600 members from all over Croatia.
He said the HSS-HSLS-PGS coalition had already been joined by the Zagorje Party and that the Zagorje Democratic Party would join today.
HSLS president Djurdja Adlesic, a guest at the convention, said that after an initial success, when it was the third most popular in public opinion polls, the coalition became a little lazy. However, she voiced confidence that it would be an unavoidable part of the next government, to which it would bring more trust and responsibility.
Friscic reiterated that a minimum six billion euros would be necessary to implement the HSS' programme for the revival of Croatia's farm sector.
Replying to questions from the press, he voiced confidence that Croatia's European Union accession negotiations would continue after 1 January 2008, when the Ecology and Fisheries Protection Zone in the Adriatic will apply to EU countries as well, despite demands to scrap its activation.
"If Croatia gives up on its 25,000 square kilometres of sea, then it can give up on land and forests as well, and then we'll be others' servants," said Friscic, adding that some were capable of selling Croatia's interests very cheaply, but not the HSS, even at the risk of being branded a party of Euro-sceptics.
Asked if he supported Radimir Cacic of the Croatian People's Party (HNS) for the next prime minister, Friscic said the HSS was interested in the coalition's strength in parliament as the premier would be nominated by those with the majority in the Sabor.
Other HSS officials said Croatia was killing domestic production by importing US$ 2 billion in farm products, and criticised the poor policy in environmental protection, health and education.
The party also changed its statute.