ZAGREB, CROATIA –

- Zagreb branch of the Social Democratic Party is a cobra which needs a smack on the head – said Croatian Social-Liberal Party (HSLS) member Darinko Kosor, as he signed a coalition agreement with the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) and the Croatian Peasants` Party (HSS).

As it was announced, the Zagreb HDZ branch, headed by Jasen Mesic as the candidate for the Zagreb mayor post, will enter the race for city power with the HSS and HSLS.

Pointing out that three parties started negotiating two weeks ago and agreed straight away about the current state in Zagreb, Jasen Mesic said that Zagreb is being run in an irresponsible way and it was time for a change.

“Vote for salvation”

Even though the HNS, HSS and Tatjana Holjevac left the current Zagreb Mayor, Milan Bandic of the SDP, the question is can the HDZ overthrown the first man of Zagreb who has been heading the city for many years. Tight collaboration of Milan Bandic and Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader does not favour them either, as Sanader has still not publically backed up Jasen Mesic, his fellow party member. According to Mesic, collaboration is normal and it shows that the prime minister is active.

- I will meet Sanader soon, during the election campaign. We are convinced that we will win at every level of the local elections. The citizens need creative, efficient and responsible administration. This is a vote for salvation. We do not have anything personal against Milan Bandic, but we oppose his mistakes in running the city – said the HDZ-HSS-HSLS candidate for the Zagreb mayor post.

Looking back on the Croatian People`s Party (HNS) with which the HDZ has not yet negotiated, Jasen Mesic said that if they qualify for the second round of the local elections, they can expect the support of all the parties that agree with them.

“How did Bandic spend 12 billion kuna in three years?”

According to the HSS member Darko Vuletic, Milan Bandic did not notify the coalition partners on his  decisions and moves during his term, which is something he expressed dissatisfaction with several times.

- We are not pleased with the authorities in Zagreb, the HDZ has recognised this. Not many HSS members took part in these authorities and we cannot be held responsible for something we were not aware of. We are stringer now – Vuletic was convinced.