"The authorities will not flex their muscles any longer in this case nor in any other cases, and the government will base its decisions on assessments and opinions made by experts," Vrdoljak said in response to questions from reporters on Friday who were covering his visit to companies in the northern area of Zagorje.

He added that "no one in this country will do anything contrary to the interests of citizens and the entire country" and that the government would opt for what would be the wisest and most beneficial option.

Earlier in the day, Environment Protection Minister Mihael Zmajlovic said a possible reason for not building the planned power plant on the Ombla would be fear to put at risk endemic animal species in the caves through which that underground stream passes.

Minister Zmajlovic also said that there were some other projects of higher priority than the Ombla project that could help Croatia to achieve its energy independence.

As long as there are other locations where more important projects for Croatia's energy independence can be carried out, there is no need to start the Ombla project, Zmajlovic said in Zagreb.

Responding to Minister Zmajlovic's statement, Minister Vrdoljak said that there was no need for anyone "to die for any project". Decision-makers will judge all the risks and benefits from the planned 60-megawatt power plant and then decide on the project.

Asked by the press on how far the plans had gone for a new coal-fired plant within the power facility in Plomin, Istria, the economy minister announced an invitation for binding bids would be released over the next ten days.

Asked about the latest developments in his Croatian People's Party (HNS) where the HNS vice-president Vesna Pusic was proposed as a candidate to replace Radimir Cacic at the helm of the party, Vrdoljak said that he had previously already made it clear that he would support Pusic's candidacy.