Croatia's PM quits in tactical move

Racan quit as prime minister on Friday

ZAGREB, Croatia -- Croatia's reformist Prime Minister Ivica Racan has resigned, triggering the collapse of the government, the state news agency Hina has said.

The agency said Racan had stepped down on Friday as expected at a final meeting of his 30-month old five-party cabinet. (Profile)

In a live television address, Racan said he had resigned "after some partners in the coalition blocked government work in the past weeks. I am aware this is a serious decision but I am confident it's the right one."

"I am ready for a new coalition government, if I get support from the president and parliament," he said.

President Stipe Mesic is expected to reappoint Racan almost immediately so he can form a new cabinet and present it to parliament within 30 days.

The resignation followed a series of political disputes and is regarded as a strategy to enable Racan to form a government without the Social Liberals, the second-largest coalition party, which frequently has opposed his moves.

Racan has already indicated he plans to form a new government without the Social Liberals, who are led by Drazen Budisa, by including several smaller parties.

If parliament does not approve the new government, new elections would be called.

Racan's government has launched political and economic reforms, moving Croatia closer to the European Union and NATO.

But its internal fights, particularly between Racan's Social Democrats and Budisa's Liberals, have slowed progress.