ZAGREB, July 17 (Xinhua) -- Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic proposed a government reshuffle on Wednesday night at a meeting of the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ).
A closed-doors HDZ party meeting led to the dismissals of three ministers on Wednesday. Plenkovic proposed to replace Tomislav Tolusic, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Gabrijela Zalac, Minister of Regional Development and EU Funds, and Nada Murganic, Minister of Demography, Family and Social Policy.
"It is normal at the end of the third year to make changes that will allow the government to continue without any burdens with the activities related to the growth of the economy and with reducing tensions in society, and ultimately to achieve the confidence which was given to us at the elections," Plenkovic told a press conference at the headquarters of the government.
Two ministers have resigned this month over alleged scandals in real estate dealing and unlawful personal gains.
When asked about the reasons for the sudden sacking of three more ministers on Wednesday, Plenkovic told reporters that the media portrayal of his cabinet was increasingly becoming a burden for his cabinet, which made him realize it was time for a change.
The reshuffle plan will be formally voted by Croatian Parliament on Friday.
