Croatian parties discuss forming government

The top leaders from two parties, which hold a majority in the new Croatian parliament, would become deputy prime ministers in the new government of Prime Minister-designate Tihomir Oreskovic, the media reported.

Tomislav Karamarko, president of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) whose coalition "the Patriotic Coalition" won 59 seats in the 151-seat parliament, would be the first deputy prime minister, Xinhua reported.

Bridge party's leader, Bozo Petrov, would be the second deputy prime minister, Karamarko and Petrov confirmed on Monday after holding a new round of negotiations on forming the new government.

They were confident in the support from Prime Minister-designate Tihomir Oreskovic, a non-partisan who was named by President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic on December 23 following six weeks' consultations with political parties after elections, in which no party won a majority needed to form the new government.

The two leaders also said that the discussions on the posts of ministers were still underway.

Petrov stressed that the ministries of interior and justice were important for Bridge, while Karamarko believed it would be discussed.

Karamarko said he hoped the new government would be formed and start to work as soon as possible.