June 21 (SeeNews) - Tomislav Karamarko said on Tuesday he is resigning as president of Croatia's conservative political party HDZ as he failed to garner a majority to form a new government following the fall of the country's five-month old cabinet last Thursday.
"I promised my party I would form a parliamentary majority. I failed and in a civilised world it is normal to bear the responsibility. I consider myself a responsible person. I am opening up space for a new impulse," Karamarko said at a press conference aired live by broadcaster HRT. "I am proud of everything I have done for the party and for Croatia over the past four years."
"I believe new solutions will present themselves soon after my resignation," Karamarko also said.
He, however, refused to discuss his possible successor.
According to reports in local media, Karamarko is likely to be succeeded by Andrej Plenkovic, HDZ and European Parliament member.
Plenkovic told broadcaster HRT on Monday night that he is ready to run for HDZ president. "Given the new circumstances, the dissolution of the parliament, the failed reshuffle after a vote of no confidence in the government, I believe we should approach the elections refreshed and I am ready to take responsibility," Plenkovic said.
HDZ is set to hold a meeting immediately after Karamarko's announcement.
Croatia's prime minister Tihomir Oreskovic lost a no-confidence vote in parliament on Thursday after 125 out of 142 attending MPs voted against him, spelling the end to the country's government.
Prior to the vote, Karamarko resigned as first deputy prime minister after a parliamentary committee found him as being in conflict of interests in relation to his wife's business ties with a consultant working for Hungarian energy group MOL.
On Monday, the country's parliament voted for its dissolution after no party had convinced the president Kolinda Grabar Kitarovic that they hold the majority to form a new government.
Snap elections are expected in September.