Speaking to the press, Kosor said the candidates on the slates were competent people who could achieve the main components of the HDZ's platform.

"The party which ran the government when the accession negotiations with the EU were completed, when few believed that we could complete the negotiations, this party can successfully complete this process," Kosor said, reiterating that Croatia would be able to draw about EUR 3.5 billion from the EU budget in the first two years of its membership.

She said the fight against corruption and crime remained an important part of the platform of the currently ruling HDZ and the government she said it would run in the future as well.

Kosor went on to say that by not putting Jarnjak on its slates, the HDZ had demonstrated its responsibility, voicing confidence that Jarnjak had not broken any laws. "I am sure that he did honorably his job as the HDZ secretary-general and now as the party's vice president and I am sure that this truth will see the light of day."

Kosor said some other parties running in the election had shown "neither strength nor determination nor courage nor daring not to put on their slates people who have been indicted."

Commenting on an ongoing investigation into the HDZ over slush fund allegations, she said the "HDZ is a party under investigation regarding a specific time and regarding the running of the party at a specific time."

"We accepted that, we want this process to be over as soon as possible and we are ready for any consequence and are determined to fight so that a party of honest and honorable people wins the election."

Kosor reiterated that many wanted to destroy the HDZ's successes, saying the duty of all members was not to let that happen. She added the party was returning to its original programme, written by the party's founder, the late Franjo Tudjman. "This is definitely not a return to the past but a look into the future on foundations created long ago."