Croatian president nominates non-partisan to form next government

Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic nominated on Wednesday evening Tihomir Oreskovic, a non-partisan, as prime minister-designate to form next government after 6 weeks consultations with political parties.

The nomination was made after Oreskovic was jointly proposed by the Patriotic Coalition, led by the opposition Croatian Democratic Union, and the new party the Bridge (MOST) with 78 supports from elected members of parliament in the 151-seat parliament.

"In compliance with my constitutional powers, I entrust Oreskovic with the mandate to form the new, 13th government of the Republic of Croatia," Grabar-Kitarovic said.

Oreskovic, 49, said in signature-presentation ceremony that he would work with citizens and build a better future together.

He would make all his efforts to achieve that goal and solve the accumulated problems, he added.

In the parliamentary elections on Nov. 8, "Patriotic Coalition" won 59 seats in the 151-seat parliament, while its main rival ruling Social Democratic Party's coalition "Croatia Is Growing" won 56 seats.

Because both parties fell short of the 76 seats needed for a majority to form a government, the third winner, the Bridge, a new political party, became a king maker in forming a government.

After five rounds of consultations with parties in parliament, "Patriotic Coalition" and the Bridge finally reached an agreement on nominating Oreskovic, a non-partisan professional, as prime minister-designate.

The new government was expected to be formed in a month. Endit