The Croatian Parliament rejected by a majority vote an opposition proposal for a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor early on Thursday morning.
After nearly a 15-hour-long debate, 79 deputies of the ruling majority voted against the proposal, moved by the Social Democratic Party (SDP), 62 opposition deputies were in favour and one deputy abstained.
The proposal was sent to parliament after 58 deputies of the SDP, the Croatian People's Party, the Istrian Democratic Party, the Croatian Pensioners Party, the Croatian Party of Rights and the Labour Party signed a petition for the no-confidence vote.
After the marathon debate, another 60 deputies were scheduled to speak, but the debate was adjourned after Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) vice president Vladimir Seks criticised the SDP, saying that it was acting against the constitution.
After a 15-minute recess representatives of parliamentary benches were given the floor after which Prime Minister Kosor addressed the parliament.
After HDZ deputy Seks criticises the SDP, accusing it of being a criminal organisation, leader Zoran Milanovic said he no longer wanted to participate in the shameful debate.
PM Kosor said a lot of harsh and inappropriate words were said during the debate, stressing that there should be no room for that in parliament.
Deputies wrapped up the debate shortly after midnight.
Parliament is expected to reconvene at 1030 hours Thursday to discuss amendments to the Law on the Croatian Chamber of Agriculture.
