ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) - Croatian President Stipe Mesic says he is consulting political parties before appointing a successor to the prime minister, who abruptly stepped down this week.
Mesic said Friday he will give a mandate to the candidate proposed by the ruling Croatian Democratic Union, Jadranka Kosor, if the party proves that she has support of a majority of lawmakers.
Prime Minister Ivo Sanader resigned Wednesday and said he was withdrawing from politics. He asked that Kosor replace him, but opposition parties are demanding early elections.

Mesic could appoint a prime minister-designate on Friday evening.