ZAGREB, CROATIA – Croatia’s former prime minister, Ivo Sanader, did after all explain to the public the reasons why he resigned from his position with an interview he gave to the Jutarnji list daily.

Croatia needs a shock. The citizens of Croatia still have not embraced the idea of the necessity of a radical change from their way of life and work so far. Every economising measure, every attempt to curb spending, the public denounced and had no understanding for.

Ivo Sanader

- I am certain that the public will very soon, in a couple of days, when things and emotions settle down and when reason prevails, understand that my act was of exceptional importance for Croatia’s political life. I am convinced that this is a significant democratic step forward for Croatia. My decision will contribute to Croatia’s Europeanisation and the establishment of new standards in the country – Sanader said.

“Radical change is crucial for Croatia” 

The former prime minister also voiced his unwavering faith in Croatia’s progress, saying that “every time after elections, Croatia has come out stronger, which is proof that it has become a mature democratic country that can withstand any change in authority without any problems”. He stressed that he believes that with his surprising act, which many of his colleagues and political scientists dubbed as planned, he has shown that he was career-driven and that he did not wish to stay in power at any cost.

- Croatia needs a shock. The citizens of Croatia still have not embraced the idea of the necessity of a radical change from their way of life and work so far. Every economising measure, every attempt to curb spending, the public denounced and had no understanding for – Ivo Sanader said, voiding hope that his “withdrawal from politics will contribute to the citizens of Croatia finally facing reality and the necessity of radical changes”.

Still, Sanader did not miss the opportunity to slam the opposition.

- It is hypocritical for those who criticised me publicly of being inept, of destroying the country, of not knowing how to find a solution for problems, now that I have resigned, that they are asking me to stay. If I am as incompetent as they say, why won’t they let me leave – the former prime minister told the Jutarnji list.

European leaders playing political games 

- To go through so many battles, live through so much lack of understanding and resistance is not easy or simple, nor is it possible without being left with scars and wounds. It all leaves inerasable traces on every person. Besides, my resignation also has an important international dimension. I replied to European politicians who requested an explanation of my act that I did it out of protest over unacceptable behaviour towards Croatia – Sanader explained.

I am certain that my decision will sober up European politicians and force them to now face the consequences of their unprincipled and non-European conduct.

Ivo Sanader

In the end, he commented on the actions of European leaders with relation to Croatia’s border dispute with Slovenia, saying that he did not wish to “participate in the political games of a part of European politicians who, although they know how important it is for Croatia to enter the EU, did not invest sufficient efforts to stop the unprecedented blackmail from Slovenia”.

- Because of all this I am certain that my decision will sober up European politicians and force them to now face the consequences of their unprincipled and non-European conduct – Sanader said, still not explaining the reason why he did not turn up in parliament today and explain his reasons for quitting to his parliamentary colleagues.