Representatives of a number of civil organisations on Thursday spoke to the press against the privatisation of all public property, notably the Hrvatske Vode water management public institution.
The news conference was prompted by amendments to the Waters Act and was organised by the Croatian Bishops' Conference (HBK).
The secretary of the HBK Iustitia et Pax commission, Gordan Crpic, said the Croatian society, despite its diversity, should be united about essential issues regarding public property such as waters, forests, sea and open space.
Croatia has small, but good potentials that are insufficiently used, Crpic said, adding public discussions should be held so that politicians could adopt the best possible decisions.
Trade union representative Kresimir Sever said the Croatian constitution protected waters, forests, the sea and mines as national public property. He said the attempt to transform Hrvatske Vode into a company was against the constitution.
"Public property, regardless of who is in power, must be above all else," he said, adding this heritage should be preserved for future generations.
Water has been an issue on the Mediterranean for 3,000 years, said Tonci Tadic, president of the Euro-Mediterranean Forum, adding that water was an issue of national sovereignty and its sale a sale of sovereignty.
Tadic said the media could become involved in the upcoming election campaign in a public discussion on the sale of public property, and called on politicians to speak on this matter.
