But the opposition had hoped to embarrass and debilitate him to the point where he would resign voluntarily.
The opposition hopes revelations about postwar Communist atrocities will shock voters out of their complacency.
It is true that the majority which supported the administration was so overwhelming that the opposition could not hope soon to overthrow it.
The opposition hoped for another color revolution, but analysts doubted this would happen.
The opposition hopes it can chip away at the regime's domestic and international standing until the Government crumbles.
Later this year Croatia will hold elections, and the opposition is hoping to oust him.
The opposition hopes to shorten the timetable through negotiations.
If the opposition does indeed hope to appeal to the common humanity of its attackers, however, today's events have not been particularly encouraging.
The opposition hopes a defeat of the general, who is expected to be the candidate in the yes-or-no vote, would lead to free elections.
The opposition seems to sense some vulnerability in the Government and is hoping to bring about a change.