The new territorial organization, under which Croatia would have between five and seven counties concentrated around the largest cities, has been met with caution by the Croatian Association of Counties.
The President of the Association, Goran Pauk, who is also the Šibenik-Knin County Prefect and a member of the HDZ, does not wish to comment on unofficial media announcements, but warns that the new reform should not be implemented without consultations with the profession and the public.
Before any reform, it is necessary to assess the situation, conduct a quality analysis, and make a decision with a cool head, taking into account the wishes of the people who are accustomed to their regional administrations, Pauk believes, reminding that the current regional structure has both historical and geographical significance.
– If a new solution for the restructuring of local government is sought, it should not be guided solely by the cheapest solution, but the most efficient one – Pauk emphasizes, adding that counties can and should take on a much greater role than they currently do.
Thus, the Association of Counties will propose to the Government a restructuring under which they would gain management rights over schools and hospitals, local social welfare centers, and even over the management of agricultural land.
– For all this, we are a more capable and responsible partner than the state – concluded Pauk.
