President of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) Tomislav Karamarko on Monday in Pula told reporters that the situation in the country was exceptionally difficult but that he was confident the citizens of Istria would recognise the times and the HDZ's economic programme which he described as a programme of "quality, necessary and for the benefit of all citizens regardless of their political option".
"We are not troubled by party division and political profiling but are concerned with citizens' needs and offer a programme that will lead to a quality life in Croatia once we enter the European Union", Karamarko told the press while touring the northern coastal town of Pula and mingling with the locals.
He added that the incumbent government was "deaf and blind to communication". It is just not good, he said that "social dialogue was abruptly abandoned, unions are dissatisfied, there are no investments and the only thing that is due to grow in the future, is unemployment".
"All indicators are poor and I believe that this agony must not last much longer", HDZ's president said.
Commenting on the latest opinion poll which indicate that the HDZ could win the support of 5.4% of Istria's electorate in the county assembly, Karamarko underscored that he expected some progress compared to the last elections.
"It's a fact that the HDZ's popularity is growing and we feel and see this in the field", he said, adding that the HDZ would probably fare well in the election considering the party's victory in the recent European Parliament election.
Asked to comment on the unusual case in Tinjan, a little town in the middle of Istria County where the HDZ has backed the Social Democratic Party's candidate for mayor, Karamarko said that the "HDZ is open to cooperation and is not exclusive".
"Ideological divisions are not important, we are interested in a quality life. If that decision is a good one, then we support it", he concluded.
