Orešković: I must defend myself against false accusations, and then let the Parliament decide

Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia Tihomir Orešković attended today the signing of the Agreement on Hydrocarbon Exploration and Production Sharing, after which he gave a statement to the media. Orešković responded to Karamarko's request and firmly said - I will not step down, Croatian media reported.

Orešković then requested a meeting with President Grabar-Kitarović, and while they are in a meeting that started at 17:00, we provide an overview of the press conference.

16:11 Asked how he thinks this government can continue to function without the support of HDZ, he said time will tell. "I respect HDZ, they were a key partner and I hope they will make a decision that will provide an opportunity for this government to move forward. But some changes, new configurations are needed. The government can function, we have shown that we can. Every indicator, GDP, debt, deficit, number of employees is rising, indications and forecasts are positive, and ultimately I am convinced that this government can. We need to make some changes," the Prime Minister concluded.

16:09 Asked by an Index journalist whether he is aware that the government does not have the support of the majority in Parliament, he said that Parliament should show whether it supports the majority and that this is democracy.

Asked whether we will ever find out what he learned from SOA, he said that information is classified but that there is no threat to national security.

"I am here as Prime Minister, I think I clearly said that everything will be clearer next week and that we will put together a solution that will be in the interest of Croatia," he said.

16:09 I believe in this government, a solution can be put together to move forward, but some things must change. I hope reason will prevail.

16:08 We did not discuss me becoming a minister in the government.

16:06 "Due to the situation in the government, we cannot function like this, which is why I asked Karamarko and Petrov to step down. Petrov was immediately ready to withdraw, Karamarko was not. Karamarko showed that he does not have my support, but I think this situation must be resolved and everyone knows what needs to happen."

16:04 The Parliament will decide my fate, Orešković said. "When it comes to national security, I am in constant contact with the President. I came to deal with the economy, not SOA. I am well informed about what is happening in the country. The two of us know what is happening," he said. "I did not lobby anything regarding Pučan for myself. We all read in foreign media what is happening," he added.

16:01 This week we will relax. "I am waiting for a call from Karamarko, who announced it for Tuesday. I am open to a conversation, we haven't had one yet. We haven't talked for a long time. As for his proposal, I cannot accept it because that would mean admitting guilt for false accusations," the Prime Minister said.

16:00 The message is clear - we worked on investments and my message is that the government is working. It is in the best interest of Croatia for this government to continue functioning.

15:58 Today you saw that we have several key investments for this country and that the government is working, Orešković said.

15:55 On Wednesday we had a government session, we went through several items and it was seen that we made key decisions. Today is the best example. Another decision was LNG, which we have been talking about for ten years. In four months we defined everything, put it on the agenda... In three months we will sign a new contract.

15:54 The government is functioning, there is no next government, nothing has changed. There is no need to speculate about anything, Orešković said commenting on the crisis in the government.

15:50 There will be no pollution, Panenić said. "I can confirm that oil exploration in the Adriatic is not acceptable as such, oil will not be explored in the Adriatic," Panenić said.

15:49 Asked by an Index reporter whether he believes he has the legitimacy to sign the contract. "We can boost investments, I don't see where the problem is," the Prime Minister said.

15:43 Minister Panenić thanked the Prime Minister. "We will have exploration in all counties. Ten new fields are in preparation, in July we could open new tenders. We are on the track of the investment that we all want, and I want the energy sector to become a pillar in our development."

15:30 My main priority is the economic recovery of Croatia. Today we signed contracts and we expect to sign another contract. We secured half a billion kuna in new investments. The oil that is found will be processed in Croatian refineries. This is important because it shows that a positive investment climate is being created, Orešković claims.