Speaking to reporters after the launch of the second edition of a book on persons gone missing in the war, Kosor said that those who were criticising the government for not making radical cuts should specify what should be restricted and how much.

She went on to say that the government was being constantly pressured to reduce spending, but was criticised when it tried to do so.

"That can't last because the government is the one that must ensure salaries, pensions, social contributions, maternity and children's allowances and unemployment benefits," the PM said.

She added that the government would soon adopt more measures to help the business sector and that by the end of the week she would hold a meeting with employers to hear their proposals.

She said that those who were urging additional economies should be willing to contribute themselves.

The government has already saved around seven billion kuna through three budget revisions, it has helped save an additional 1.5 billion kuna by ordering public companies to implement austerity measures, and the government itself has reduced its spending to the minimum, Kosor said.

"This government is very determined to implement its three goals for this year - to fight the best it can against the crisis and recession, to clamp down on corruption, and to complete talks on Croatia's EU membership," Kosor said in response to criticisms from some opposition parties.