After HSS decided to switch sides and support HDZ, there are rumours that HNS could do the same.
HNS presidency met on Wednesday for the first time after the recent parliamentary elections and analyzed the results of the elections, reports Večernji List on September 22, 2016.
“The election results showed that HNS has 7 percent of support in the electorate, despite the low turnout. We are extremely happy with the result. We have demonstrated consistency, accountability and high level of political culture, and we have started serious preparations for local elections where we will defeat HDZ and MOST. We expect that they will conclude their coalition negotiations as soon as possible and start fulfilling their promises to increase salaries, lower taxes, improve the health system, and all the other things they said during the campaign, and not waste their time in bickering”, said HNS president Ivan Vrdoljak.
Asked if HNS could support the government of HDZ president Andrej Plenković, like its former coalition partner HSS will do, Vrdoljak said they had not even discussed it. “The day after the election we congratulated them and said to HDZ and MOST to form a government. Since then, we have been preparing for the local elections in May. We are not even considering entering into a coalition with them”, said Vrdoljak. Other party leaders said the same thing.
“I think that politicians should watch what they say and not deal too much with each other. I do not think I have the right to analyze what is happening within HSS, but citizens will certainly give their assessment. Everyone is responsible for their own behaviour”, added Vrdoljak.
“Our message is the same before and after the elections. We are being very consistent, and the presidency made all the decisions unanimously. I am proud of our members”, said Vrdoljak and added that their plan was to achieve victory in local elections. “And victory means to win Zagreb”, concluded Vrdoljak. HNS will have former Construction Minister Anka Mrak-Taritaš as its candidate for Mayor of Zagreb.
HNS was part of the SDP-led People’s Coalition at the elections, together with two other parties (HSS and HSU). However, HSS made a decision a few days ago to support the likely government which will be led by HDZ president Andrej Plenković. SDP leaders have accused HSS of cheating their voters, while HNS has been much milder in its criticism.
