Hrelja said the HSU, a junior partner in the state-level ruling coalition, had always considered the SDP the main social democratic party in Croatia.
"If we want a good social democratic policy, a policy focusing on citizens, workers and pensioners, then this option needs to be significantly strengthened," he said, adding that the HSU and the SDP could ensure a better government in Pula.
The SDP's candidate for Pula mayor, Pedja Grbin, said today's announcement was another proof that there was no "break-up of unity or rift within our ranks." He announced that negotiations were under way with the local branches of the Croatian Social Liberal Party and the Independent Democratic Serb Party, and that they would soon be launched with the Green Party.
Feric said there was no destabilisation of Istria County under way, adding that under the incumbent government the Croatian Waters company had invested HRK 193 million in the county last year and that it would invest HRK 230 million this year, whereas under the previous government, in 2011, such investments were HRK 79.9 million.