Shut: I'm ready for new elections

Split’s mayor Tomislav Šuta has stated he is prepared to run again in upcoming elections should there be a destabilization of the majority in the city council. Speaking during an interview with journalist Sofija Preljvukić of Nove TV, Šuta addressed the arrest of Željko Kerum, leader of the Croatian Civic Party (HGS), and its potential implications for the coalition and continued cooperation within municipal government. Following claims by the opposition that HGS maintains the HDZ in power and raised questions about continuing negotiations with someone currently in custody, Šuta emphasized that this case dates back more than ten years and that legal institutions are carrying out their duties. “Mr. Kerum has the right to defend himself, and only after the completion of the dispute can we make a decision,” he said. Šuta reminded that Kerum is not a member of the City Council nor does he participate in decision-making processes. “My communication relates to Mr. Igor Stanišić, who is the president of the City Council, and I have never received any pressure from anyone,” he added, noting that proposals are sent to the City Council and urging the opposition to support projects in the city's interest. In response to concerns that Kerum’s party carries his name and that the founder has considerable influence over the views of its council members, Šuta reiterated that he communicates exclusively with representatives in the representative body. “I make decisions, propose ideas, communicate with city councilors who are part of the City Council, and call upon all councilors who take part in making key decisions in Split to support them in the future,” he said. When asked about the frequency and dynamics of personal communication with Kerum, Šuta confirmed that he typically does not speak directly with him. “I mostly communicate with Mr. Stanišić. He is the president of the City Council. All decisions that go to the City Council are presented to him and other city councilors, and I believe this is a normal and correct method of communication,” he explained. When directly questioned whether this means he does not communicate with Kerum, he replied, “Well, no. Mostly with Mr. Stanišić.” He further noted that personal disputes do not concern him and that his focus is on the implementation of infrastructure projects. “My goal is in the interest of the city and all major projects to make quality decisions. I do not want to participate in any kind of conflicts. The goal is to complete major infrastructure projects, and I believe they are being completed. A significant amount of public procurement is underway, and certain parts of the projects related to eastern infrastructure, traffic, and everything else are being carried out,” he said. Commenting on claims made by a member of the Možemo! party, Marinko Biškić, that Kerum owes him 50,000 euros, Šuta expressed disagreement with the allegations. “This sounds very bad, and certainly I would not support any debts owed by anyone. I think this is not appropriate or correct. As far as could be seen in the public domain, the issue refers to a trading company in liquidation, but certainly this is a poor message, and I cannot support this situation,” he said. When asked whether this presents a problem for cooperation with a party whose leader has such issues, he responded, “Mr. Igor Stanišić is the president of the City Council, and the members of the City Council are still three individuals who are not Željko Kerum.” Reflecting on the stability of the majority in the City Council and the possibility of extraordinary elections, Šuta said there is no reason for concern. “We are ready. I think the opposition is trying to provoke, but I hope nothing concrete happens. We are ready for elections, and we are doing very well in terms of what we are doing and have the support of citizens,” he said, adding that citizens have chosen changes and that he is always ready to face voters again. On the question of whether he expects Kerum to remain in custody or be released after interrogation, Šuta said that is a matter for judicial authorities. “That is the responsibility of the judiciary, and I am not in a position to judge. The procedure is known, and it will surely show all outcomes that may arise,” he concluded.