Miloloža: No one asked me to be the Minister of Economy

Mandator Tihomir Orešković has one month to form a government with the leaders of HDZ and Most, Tomislav Karamarko and Božo Petrov. However, more importantly – what are the first tasks of that government?

While the names of the government members are still unknown, it has been said that the government will be expert-led. Mandator Tihomir Orešković has a reputation as an unquestionable expert with an impeccable resume, but what will be his first moves?

– Somehow to transfer resources, to transfer what is needed so that these programs can be implemented. And secondly, I understand how the outside world thinks and I hope that my experience in the outside world will help me utilize that for Croatia, to raise the rating and to reduce debts and costs, Orešković communicated to the public through the media.

The head of HDZ, Tomislav Karamarko announced a reduction in salaries for parliamentary representatives and officials, which would save 25 million kuna, and it is crucial to seriously tackle the reduction of debt and costs.

Among the first projects that are unofficially mentioned, reports HRT, is the lowland railway from Rijeka to Zagreb to the border with Hungary, the irrigation of Slavonia, and the acceleration of the LNG terminal project on Krk. Three key reforms are those of public administration and the healthcare system based on the Canadian model, as well as the reform of government agencies. One of the main demands will be a more productive public sector as a prerequisite for strengthening the economy.

Businessman Ivan Miloloža has faith in Tihomir Orešković, who has only words of praise for the mandator.

– Orešković worked in a large company that is recognized worldwide; if he was good and valuable to them, he is valuable to us, believe me.

He believes that the coalition was formed in good faith and in the interest of citizens, and that no one in it will cause problems. He does not consider the fact that the mandator lacks political experience a significant drawback. When asked if he would be the Minister of Economy, he replied that no one had asked him such a thing. He supports Orešković’s statement that it is necessary to talk to global investors and funds.

On the other hand, Krešimir Sever, president of the Independent Croatian Trade Unions, states that if Orešković opts for cuts that are painful for citizens, he will not have the support of the unions. The unions are, he says, cautious regarding previous announcements about painful cuts in the public sector, the privatization of the healthcare system, and a whole series of reforms that have not improved the situation for citizens, no matter where they occurred, reports HRT.