Tough Year for Sanader and HDZ

Croatian negotiators voice their optimism with regards to Croatia’s accession into the EU, analysts warn about little reforms being realised

Croatia has reached a deadlock in the implementation of chief reforms – the prevention of corruption, the rescinding of government subsidies, the judiciary, public administration… However, Croatia is not facing great problems or adversaries within the EU itself (such as Turkey), where Croatia is considered “small and easily digestible”.

However, it is a fact that this year will be a very difficult one for Prime Minister Ivo Sanader, primarily because of the upcoming elections and electoral promises. The incumbent premier will, therefore, have to find a balance between promises and concrete moves he will have to undertake, and which will not pass well with the public.

Some reforms, such as public administration, could result in a loss of jobs, which is not good for the electoral year and the ruling Croatian Democratic Union party (HDZ).

Gordan Jandrokovic of the HDZ, head of the parliamentary foreign affairs committee, however, denies this. He believes that Sanader’s government’s policy regarding Croatia’s accession into the EU is good. With regards to the loss of jobs, Jandrokovic is convinced that the HDZ will manage to find a solution for those who will be laid off.

Analysts of The Independent, have stressed that Croatia could be the last country from this region to enter the EU, seeing as certain European politicians are becoming sceptical towards the EU’s expansion.

On the other hand, the head of foreign investments in Croatia, Jorn Pedersen, cited the example of Croatian companies, which, according to him, are preoccupied with regards to preserving their section of the Croatian market, “instead of preparing themselves for the great competition on the European market”.

Zoran Milanovic of the opposition’s Social Democratic Party (SDP), agrees with Pedersen, stressing that the estimates of foreign analysts were true.

-- Almost everything that they wrote stands true, they see things clearly – Milanovic concluded.