Milinovic said he had intended to announce his candidacy at a HDZ Presidency session. "I received information that a technical session will take place tomorrow, but I decided to confirm my candidacy today," he said, adding that he had notified party president Jadranka Kosor.

He said the process of Croatia's accession to the European Union was completed and that the HDZ must respond to some other challenges in the future, such as globalisation, including in Europe and Croatia. "I'm one of those who think we have to stop creating a cult of personality in the HDZ," he said, adding that the party needed a modern, new leadership that could respond to the new challenges.

Asked about the atmosphere in the party's top ranks, he said that for him it was relaxing, "as the HDZ will finally ... elect the best candidate in a democratic procedure who will be able to answer all questions."

Milinovic said the party presidency had not yet discussed the defeat at last month's parliamentary election. He said the HDZ lost because it had a wrong strategy regarding the expansion of the left wing in Croatia.

Asked who was his most dangerous opponent, Milinovic said he did not see other presidential candidates as dangerous but welcome.

"I want to come to the helm of the party with a new HDZ platform and bring the party back to the helm of the Croatian state," he said, adding that his platform stated that "the party is as strong as its membership and not as its leadership."