Croatia on cabinet reshuffle as criticism mounts

By Stipe Majic and Sanela Crnovrsanin

ZAGREB, Croatia (AA) - Croatia's prime minister ordered a cabinet reshuffle with changes in seven ministries after criticism of various ministers over real estate deals and private issues.

Andrej Plenkovic met coalition partners before announcing the changes late on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Plenkovic said the reshuffle was an expected move in the government's fourth year.

He said the government wanted to continue working with the public and media to focus on its achievements, rather than "matters which have been a distraction".

Plenkovic said they wanted to move on with efforts to achieve goals for the benefit of citizens "without any burden."

He said five ministers had resigned, while one would be assigned to another ministry position with another to start a new duty in the European Council.

* Writing by Fatih Hafiz Mehmet