The HDZ party’s representatives have stated that the upcoming budget, which includes significant increases in expenses for employees and transfers to citizens and households, shows that the party is struggling and facing certain defeat in the upcoming elections. They accused the HDZ of trying to buy votes by using taxpayer money and burdening future generations in an attempt to maintain their power. Despite an increase in revenue from European funds, the Fokus leader, Davor Nađi, pointed out that these revenues are reduced by up to one billion euros in the budget plan for next year while expenses continue to rise.

At a press conference at Parliament on Monday, Nađi criticized the budget as a means for the HDZ to improve its rating but not address any real problems. He also highlighted a 70% increase in employee expenses and a 50% increase in citizen and household transfers over just two years. Dario Zurovec spoke out at the same event about the disproportionate expenses of Croatian Roads and the lack of sports facilities despite large sums spent on projects like Slavonija Project. He believes that government policies have failed and are causing bigger problems for Croatia.

When asked about Ustashi shouts during a commemoration event in Vukovar, Damir Bajs expressed his hope that police would treat rioters similarly to how they handled recent unruly fans at football games.