Finance Minister Zdravko Maric said on Friday he would continue to treat taxpayers' money and public finances responsibly, despite all those who demanded more money and "punch holes" in the state budget.

Asked by reporters if the ruling coalition would fall apart because of him, Maric said “you should ask political stakeholders about the state of the coalition.”

“As for money, I’m very transparent about it. The other day I was explaining the execution of last year’s budget, how we spend money, and the results are visible, and the policy of wages and everything else is visible in the budget. As for demands, there will always be demands.”

Asked if money for the teachers’ job complexity index was worth going to a snap election, Maric said any question about the wages and evaluation of public servants was “an important topic, a government priority if you will, and should be discussed.”

As for the political context, Maric said, he was “sorry that many people are at the receiving end because of certain political topics.”

Asked by reporters about the latest relations between the ruling HDZ and its junior partner, the Croatian People’s Party (HNS), HNS whip Milorad Batinic said it was not about one-upmanship but “agreement and talks.”

He reiterated that the HNS “isn’t giving up on its goals” and that it was ready for every option, even leaving the ruling coalition.