The HDZ has a constant voting body which was seen in the last elections in Dubrovnik. The HDZ has enough time to make up for some mistakes the public is pointing to. The HDZ will fulfil the expectations regarding social justice and punishing those who have committed certain breaches. I feel, as far as the press is concerned, that media freedom as taken flight. Those currently under attack are in an unequal position, as it is a long and difficult process to prove the falsehoods contained in some articles.
Television is a completely different matter.
We have to wait for the assessment of the committee to what degree state television is in the function of state policy and how inaccessible it is to other parties. I believe Croatian Television and its programming is completely acceptable to certain standards accepted worldwide. The largest Croatian insurance company, Croatia Insurance, will be undergoing privatisation this year and will have a new owner. Just as was the case with Croatian Post and Telecommunications and INA, Croatian Insurance belongs to the group of companies expected to bring in a fair amount of money from their partial sales, but should also remain in partial control of the state because of their importance. In spite of the fact that general manager Suad Rizvanbegovic is away on business, Croatia Insurance personnel confirmed 1999 will be a privatisation year, however a series of preconditions will first have to be resolved.