Sanader, prime minister since 2003, made the surprise announcement yesterday (1 July) but did not give a reason for his decision. He said that he would not stand in Croatia's presidential election, to be held in January, and denied rumours that he was ill. Under the Croatian constitution, the resignation of the prime minister means that the entire government steps down. President Stjepan Mesic´ has 30 days to appoint a new prime minister. Sanader has proposed Jadranka Kosor, the deputy prime minister, as his successor.
Croatia's EU membership bid is stalled because of a border row with Slovenia.
