Josipovic and Cacic talk regionalization, decentalization.
The leaders of the newly formed Successful Croatia coalition, president of Forward Croatia Party Ivo Josipović and president of Reformists Radimir Čačić, have presented in Varaždin a part of their electoral manifesto concerning the issues of decentralization and regionalization, reports Novi List on August 22, 2015.
Both Josipović and Čačić have said that the process of decentralization and regionalization is one of the most important parts of the coalition manifesto for the upcoming parliamentary elections. They propose for Croatia to be divided into five to eight regions, taking into account the specific positions of Međimurje and Istria.
“Through decentralization and regionalization, we will more efficiently govern Croatia and improve the quality of life for its citizens. The economy will be able to developed faster than it is doing today”, said Josipović. He said that the decentralization and regionalization will change the basis for democracy in Croatia, which will be reflected in changes in the electoral system as well.
Josipović explained the importance of regionalization using the example of Slavonia whose fragmentation into several counties prevents the unified management of agricultural lands and water management. He said that prime minister and SDP president Zoran Milanović is wrong what he said that regionalization would bring about the erosion of Croatia, pointing out that the central government would continue to have, regardless of regionalization, strong control mechanisms. “We consider the project of decentralization and regionalization as the cornerstone of our economic program, since regionalization will be a strong driving force for the development of Croatian society”, said Josipović.
Čačić said that the Successful Croatia coalition is significantly different from the coalitions led by SDP and HDZ. He is convinced that decentralization represents a strong opportunity for the democratization of society and the convergence of Croatia to the level of developed countries.
Journalists asked Josipović whether his coalition will form a coalition with IDS, if tomorrow’s announced negotiations between SDP and IDS fail. He responded that people should not exert pressure on IDS which will independently make its decision. “IDS and other regional parties are in many ways very close to us. As president, I have cooperated extensively with IDS. Regardless of their decision, we will continue to cooperate”, said Josipović.
