The Prime Minister talks about Brexit and Croatian internal political issues.
EU leaders have arrived in Brussels for their first summit after the Brexit referendum. Arriving to the summit, Prime Minister Tihomir Orešković said that he expected the activation of Article 50 to be discussed, which would start the process of Great Britain leaving the EU.
“The message that the British have sent with their referendum on leaving the EU is the message that Europe needs to change”, said the Prime Minister. He pointed out that exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union should not be felt by Croatian citizens. “The main message sent by the British is that Europe needs to be changed, that something was wrong and now we have to see what changes we need”, said Orešković to reporters. “I think the EU will survive and we need to re-affirm the common goals and the way we go forward together”, he added.
Orešković said he did not expect that British decision would have negative consequences for Croatian government bonds. “Interest rates will not begin to rise, money could remain quite cheap”, said Orešković. He said he did not expect any negative consequences as far as the arrival of British tourists this summer on the Adriatic is concerned. “Those who are planning to come, will come”, said the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister also answered question whether there was any sense in caretaker government sending legislation to Parliament. “The situation is difficult. Parliament should continue working until 15 July. Our last cabinet meeting will have 20 items on the agenda. We have sent some draft laws, and now it is up to Parliament how it will function until 15 July. We know what we can do as a caretaker government. We should send some laws, and I hope that Parliament will do its job”, said Orešković. Asked if he was planning to take part in the forthcoming elections with MOST, Orešković said he was still thinking about what to do.
