Bernardić is considered to be one of favourites to replace Zoran Milanović.
Davor Bernardić, a candidate for SDP president at the upcoming party elections, launched his campaign from Vukovar where he presented his programme, reports Večernji List on October 9, 2016.
“SDP will be a strong, modern and winning party that will achieve a decade of social democracy in Croatia, which is necessary for peace, stability and development of tolerance. I will return the party to the field, and decisions will be made through discussion and debate. I will restore confidence, courage and friendship among all of us”, said Bernardić to party members.
He said that he wanted to ensure autonomy for party members in local branches, as well as the political equality between men and women. According to him, he wants to create a society of equality and equal opportunities for all, emphasizing that people are the greatest strength.
Answering a question about divisions within the party, he said he would demonstrate that SDP was a powerful and united party. He spoke about workers’ rights in Croatia, saying that they are not satisfactory and that it is necessary to make some improvements. “The rights of workers are not at the level they should be. Workers must not be exploited and they should not be kept wondering whether their fixed-term contracts will be extended. They must have the right to organize in trade unions in the private sector and to have adequate salaries. The first measure would be to increase the minimum wage”, announced Bernardić.
He chose Vukovar to start his campaign because it is a town which is a symbol of suffering during the war, but also the town where new relations between Croats and Serbs should start. He pointed out that Vukovar should become a town of true reconciliation and tolerance. Bernardić also commented that the whole Slavonia was impoverished and devastated.
Bernardić said that it was important for the party to elect party bodies as soon as possible so that they can start with preparations for local elections next May where they expect a victory.
Bernardić was accompanied in Vukovar by Primorje-Gorski Kotar County Prefect Zlatko Komadina, former Health Minister Rajko Ostojić, MP Bojan Glavašević, and other SDP dignitaries. In his short speech, Komadina said that SDP was now paying for mistakes made in the past. “We started with the changes six months ago. Now we will accomplish them with Bernardić”, said Komadina.
All in all, there are nine candidates for SDP president. The first round of voting will take place on 19 November. Bernardić, who is head of the Zagreb party branch, is considered to be one of the favourites to replace outgoing party leader Zoran Milanović.
