In the preambles of Ustasha-Partisan squabbles, justifications of Hasanbegović, and trench warfare with Most, HDZ has received another coalition jab. The arrow was shot by the unappointed minister, HSLS’s economic strategist Josip Budimir.
He presented HSLS’s plan for public administration reform. All media noted the advocacy for depoliticization and better motivation, but I only read in Novi list that Budimir responded to a journalist’s question that HSLS would abolish counties and reduce the total number of cities and municipalities to around one hundred. An interesting message to partners in Most, who advocate for similar goals, and even more interesting to coalition partners in HDZ, who will not give up counties at any cost. After Kosor’s statement that they expect a ministerial position ‘in the second round’, this Budimir’s statement is additional pressure in that direction.
