Tomčić (Tomcic) Plays Hardball

Talks between HDZ and HSS economic experts' teams have stalled today, due to differences in regards to fiscal policy. HDZ wants to lower VAT to 20%, while in the same time increasing child benefits, hiring war veterans etc. HSS sticks to 22% VAT and strict fiscal responsibility. The talks would continue on Monday.

The pause is used by Zlatko Tomčić (Zlatko Tomcic) to make some extra pressure on his future partners. Less than a hour ago, he admitted that HSS is going through some rough internal debate and that there are elements within the party who are dead set against coalition with Sanader.

In other words, Sanader must be flexible, otherwise he would have to make some unpopular choices – either to share bed with HNS and Serbs, or soil it by going with HSP.