They chanted “(PM) Jadranka (Kosor), go away” and carried
banners saying “I’m here for my grandchildren” and “It’s not that 350,000
people volunteered to register with the unemployment office.”
A week ago protesters attacked police with bottles and
stones at the end of a war veterans’ rally in Zagreb, leading to 65 arrests and
dozens of injuries.
Peaceful anti-government protests have been held since in
Zagreb and in several other cities.
Analysts said the protests reflected discontent with the
government’s failure to address high unemployment and dwindling living
standards.
According to a poll conducted by state television and major
pollster Hendal, 70 percent of citizens support the protests and 62 percent
want an early election.
Croatia is struggling to overcome a deep economic crisis and
restore growth after two years of recession. Unemployment is at an eight-year
high of close to 20 percent.
Croatia is due to hold a general
election in late 2011 or early 2012, but the government wants to conclude
European Union entry talks before then and insists it needs stability to
achieve that goal and economic recovery.
