New minister expected to be approved on Tuesday

Parliament's Committee on Regional Development and EU Funds on Monday supported the government's proposed candidate for minister, Nataša Mikuš Žigman. 

"The logic I followed in making this choice was to find a new member of the Government who would be fully capable of managing all the aspects of the job from day one," said Prime Minister Andrej Plenković about the former state secretary at Monday's session.

In answering questions from MPs, Nataša Mikuš Žigman underlined that when working with European and national programs, she would ensure that all funds are spent "responsibly, transparently and legally".

She also said that "Croatia must also provide opportunities to all its citizens".

Šime Erlić vacated his position at the head of the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds in April this year in order to run for mayor of Zadar.

Lawmakers are expected to approve the appointment of the new minister on Tuesday, the final working day before the summer recess.