Calling for party unity, Sanader said that the months and years to come would be better and that progress would be achieved thanks to knowledge, capability, determination and confidence in the Croatian people. Sanader's speech was frequently interrupted by loud cheers.
The HDZ leader said his government would continue making efforts to help the Slavonia region and that the fact that the convention was being held in Vukovar was a symbolic gesture of support. He announced the construction of local road infrastructure, a water supply network and other projects.
The most important national interests are the prosperity of all Croatian citizens and the equal development of all Croatian regions, Sanader said.
Speaking about the process of integration with the EU, Sanader said that Croatia deserved an individual approach.
He supported changes in the Peasants Party (HSS) and the Party of Rights (HSP), noting that Ivica Racan staying at the helm of the Social Democrats was a guarantee of the HDZ's victory at the next elections.
He dismissed claims that the HDZ was using its coalition partners and intended to discard them later, announcing that all who supported the HDZ now would be the party's first choice in the establishment of post-electoral coalitions.
Recalling the party's results in the past 17 years, Sanader said that all party members deserved credit for what had been achieved, together with the party's founder and first Croatian president, Franjo Tudjman.
The convention was shown a film on the government's results in the last two and a half years, including the restructuring of the economy, the promotion of entrepreneurship, economic growth, salary increase, the reduction of unemployment, the payment of the government debt to pensioners, reforms in the system of higher education and the judiciary, the continuation of road construction and other projects.
The convention was also addressed by the president of the European People's Party (EPP), Wilfried Martens, who wished Croatia a speedy EU entry and promised to continue supporting Croatia, the HDZ and PM Sanader. Croatia sets an example to other countries in the region and serves as a bridge towards the European Union, and the EPP has recognised a partner in the HDZ, Martens said, adding he believed that the HDZ would participate in the 2009 elections for the European Parliament.
The convention will also be addressed by around 20 senior party, parliament and government officials.