With this move, the coalition partners are elegantly doing the PM's work for her. Had Kosor resorted to threats or in any way stood up against Sanader, it would shake her position at the head of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), where two fractions, one loyal to the current and the other to the former part president, are constantly at it, the Vecernji.hr reports.

"The presumption of a stable coalition is a stable HDZ. The fraction battles that weakened the [Social Democrat Party] could do the same to the HDZ. It would be very risky and unpopular. If this were to occur, PM Kosor would not only enjoy the support of her [political] partners, but of the public as well", said SDSS chairman Milorad Pupovac.

And the HSLS is sending similar signals. The party's president Darinko Kosor intends on supporting the PM and HDZ president Kosor by saying that it is utterly unacceptable for Ivo Sanader to participate in any issues regarding the coalition government. The Croatian Peasants' Party (HSS), has no official opinion regarding the eventual return of Sanader to politics, but does not consider it to be a realistic option.