They are expected to reconvene later today to vote on conclusions from the meeting. Although Mayor Milan Bandic attended, he did not participate in the debate.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor commented on the meeting, stressing that "the Social Democratic Party (SDP) must deal with the problems in the city (where it is in power)." She added, however, that it was nice that "(city assembly chairman) Boris Sprem (of the SDP) is asking the government's help."

At today's assembly meeting, Sprem asked the government to urgently adjust the law on referendums with the new constitution, stressing that under the present law it is impossible to carry out a referendum to impeach a mayor.

Although invited, a representative of the Environment Protection, Urban Planning and Construction Ministry did not attend the meeting. The ministry issued a statement saying that their representative did not attend, as the ministry was unable to dispute the beginning of the construction works in Varsavska Street.

It is not in the ministry's remit to influence the selection of urban planning projects, the ministry said in a brief statement.

Construction Minister Marina Matulovic Dropulic said she did not attend the Zagreb City Assembly meeting despite being invited, as the session focused on last weeks' events in Varsavska Street.