"We are bringing order in the state by respecting the highest standards of democracy, protection of all minorities, all rights. We choose to play by the strictest and hardest rules. Those are long term investments and we are aware that by bringing change to Croatia, we have to change ourselves, to be consistent with our values. It's a tougher, but better and worthier path," Milanovic said at an election convention of the SDP's local county branch.
He said citizens had much more reason to trust the state and its institutions, seeing that better laws were being adopted and that there was more order than two years ago.
"Disorder and lawlessness are behind us and the courts will say about it what they have to say. We have to get the state going, for economic growth to happen, and I'm not saying 'happen' by accident because no matter what you do, you must have favourable circumstances and at least a little luck."
Milanovic said the reasons for failure should not be sought in Belgrade, national minorities, Budapest, Berlin or on the Moon. "Our success and our failure is solely in us. Enough with excuses and pointing the finger to problems across the border, enough with alibis! We are in the EU now and never had a better chance."