"I won't interfere in relations between the parliament and the government and I won't call for an early election. That depends solely on relations in the parliament. I would like to see the public and politicians concentrate on real problems such as the economy, Croatia's progress on the path to the European Union and its accession, and these scandals will be resolved eventually," Josipovic said in Zadar where he opened the second annual meeting of mayors and entrepreneurs.
Josipovic said that the media were "full of a recent event which is being given epochal importance," a reference to arguments between Ivo Sanader and his former colleagues in the ruling HDZ party after he decided to request the reactivation of his mandate in the parliament.
"Cooperation between the business sector and local authorities, business projects, and economic reform is what is important for Croatia. Whether this or that deputy will sit in parliament is not important for the future of Croatia," Josipovic said.
The president said that it was clear to everyone that Croatia was in a serious situation primarily because of the economic downturn and less because of disputes among politicians.
He also urged more optimism in the country.
"Croatia must not be a pessimistic country," he said, calling on office-holders at all levels to stop whining.
"We must work and spread confidence that Croatia can overcome the crisis and that it will be a successful European country," he said.
The two-day gathering in Zadar brought together some 40 mayors who will exchange their experience with entrepreneurs.