ZAGREB, CROATIA – Despite the pompously announced protest by the civil initiative called “You Tighten Your Belts, You Thieving Gang”, only several hundred citizens gathered at Zagreb’s main square. But several protesters with banners in hand loudly shouted “Ivo leave” and “Ivo Thief”,

I think this is a clear indicator that we need to stop this criminal structure which is driving Croatia to its doom.

Reporter Domagoj Margetic

PHOTO: Citizens Shout: Ivo Leave, Ivo Thief

The organisers of this protest were also dissatisfied with the poor turnout. They said it was too bad that unionists and the associations of milkmen and peasants did not turn up, who announced they would come to Zagreb on tractors.

The only solution – for the government to step down 

- We are satisfied with the protest, even though the expected number of people did not turn up, but even this small number of citizens very loudly declared what they thought about the Croatian government and the situation in the country. After this, there are no more demands, our message is clear. We want the current government to irrevocably resign – Josip Dell’Olia told us.

Most citizens with whom we spoke shared his opinion that the only solution is for the government with Ivo Sanader at the helm to step down.

- I am exceptionally satisfied with today’s protest and you must know that this is an action of a civil initiative and, keeping that in mind, about a thousand people whom we counted, is a good turnout. I think this is a clear indicator that we need to stop this criminal structure which is driving Croatia to its doom – reporter Domagoj Margetic said.

Many reporters, photographers and cameramen also came to the square to cover the protest.