Even though he has no opponent at elections for HDZ president, Andrej Plenković does have a manifesto.
A candidate for HDZ president Andrej Plenković said that his main goal would be to restore the confidence of voters with credible and consistent policies, adding that HDZ can once again be the leader in modernization, with full support given to traditional values as well, reports Novi List on July 8, 2016.
“My main mission is to restore voters’ confidence”, said Plenković while presenting his program for HDZ president under the slogan “HDZ – The Driving Force for Development of Croatia”. Plenković stressed that, in the campaign for the forthcoming early parliamentary elections, he was open to debate with SDP president Zoran Milanović and other political leaders, so that the public can see what kind of leadership, programmes and future of the country various political parties offer.
Plenković stressed that his programme was a “programme for modern HDZ”, which he would in the coming days present to party members across the country. He pointed out that the manifesto included solutions based on his political, diplomatic and legal experience, and the values of European centre-right parties.
Plenković believes that the party should adopt a new, comprehensive and more contemporary party statute, with changes aimed at greater participation of members in the formation of party policies, the stronger position of the Main Committee, the development of intraparty referendum, and the creation of preconditions for electronic voting and further strengthening of model “one member – one vote” for election of party officials.
Speaking about the main elements of HDZ’s electoral manifesto, which will be developed by a working group led by MEP Ivana Maletić, he stressed the importance of efficient judiciary and public administration to create better conditions for economic development and better life. “The key is to restore confidence in the rule of law, which is not possible without impartial and efficient judiciary and effective and fair public administration”, said Plenković. He also believes that public sector should be streamlined.
Special attention will be given to strengthening the fiscal capacity and achieving fiscal sustainability of the country through the reduction of the budget deficit and public debt. The development of agriculture and rural development are crucial for the success of the Croatian economy, since Croatian villages have huge and untapped potential.
Plenković believes it is dangerous for the country to have unfavourable demographic trends and the emigration of young and educated people abroad. He therefore points out the need to continue with a comprehensive curricular reform in order to ensure an effective system of education adequate for a modern society, with respect for parental rights, the promotion of national identity and the plural involvement of experts.
Plenković also advocates for the concept of homeland security which includes the adoption of a coherent National Security Strategy. Referring to the foreign policy, he stressed the Central-European and Mediterranean dimensions, the support for the European future of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and for solving the remaining open issues with neighbouring countries.
