"We as coalition partners depend on each other. We share responsibility and this country is our shared responsibility," Pusic told the press before a meeting of the main committee of her Croatian People's Party (HNS), which is a junior partner in the ruling coalition led by the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Pusic said that the coalition partners were entitled to a different opinion, but stressed that there were no conflicts. "I have never seen a coalition functioning so well as ours," she noted.

"We will always use our own head and have our own opinion, just as our coalition partners will have theirs. But we will always be able to talk, that's for certain. That's good for the coalition and for the country," the HNS vice-president said.

When asked if the HNS's chief economist Dragan Kovacevic would resign as chairman of the management board of the JANAF oil pipepline operator, Pusic said she knew nothing about it. "I absolutely don't see why that should happen," she added.

When asked if she was behind Kovacevic, who had criticised SDP Finance Minister Slavko Linic for taking decisions without consulting the coalition partner, Pusic said she did not see what the problem was. "The man talked about matters we otherwise discuss both at Cabinet meetings and individually, and we will continue discussing them and will surely find the most appropriate solution given the situation in the country." When further asked if Kovacevic's statement was coordinated with the party, Pusic said she could not see any relevance to it.

Pusic is a candidate for HNS president. Responding to questions from the press, she said she did not know if she would be the only candidate for the position. "This possibility is open to everyone. I haven't heard for now of anyone else running for the post, but it's possible that there will be other candidates too."

The chairman of the HNS main committee, Predrag Stomar, said that the committee would discuss preparations for local and regional elections, elections for the European parliament, and a party convention due to take place within a month.

The committee is expected to decide on Pusic's candidacy for HNS president.