The priest believes that the suspension ordered by the Split Archbishop is an administrative act of a bishop rather than a legal act, which is why it cannot apply to him.

"I have no comment. The explanation (of the disciplinary measure) does not refer to me, as it is not true that I have established a political party and entered the parliament through that party. It is an insinuation. It shows the lack of knowledge of and disrespect for Croatian laws, which is why I don't want to comment on the matter," Grubisic, a member of the seventh Croatian parliament, told the press on Wednesday.

The Archbishop of Split and Makarska, Monsignor Barisic, has taken disciplinary action against Grubisic for his active involvement in politics, suspending his right to hear confessions, deliver sermons, celebrate the Eucharist and wear priestly robes.

The suspension is "a consequence of his active participation in politics by his establishment of a political party called "Citizens' Initiative" and by his acceptance of the mandate of a parliamentary deputy which also implies participation in the administration of civil authority; of inappropriate behaviour unbefitting the priestly calling; and of his unremitting disobedience to his Ordinariate," the Split-Makarska Archdiocese said in a statement earlier in the day.

Grubisic's independent slate won two seats in the new parliament, one of which was allocated to Grubisic.