The conservative Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) led by Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic would have easily won the parliamentary elections held on Wednesday, although they did not secure a majority. According to exit polls from local media, the HDZ, a pro-European party tainted by corruption, is projected to win 58 seats, eight less than in 2020. These results make it challenging for them to form a government.
In second place is the Ríos de Justicia coalition, which includes the social democrat SDP, with 44 seats, also not enough to secure a majority in the 151-seat Parliament. The right-wing nationalist party Movimiento Patritico is in third place with 13 seats, and their support may be crucial in forming a government, along with the 11 deputies from the environmentalist Mozemo and 9 from the liberals of Most.
Plenkovic’s victory was predicted in the polls, but the HDZ has struggled to find partners due to their history of corruption. Plenkovic’s government has seen multiple resignations of ministers over allegations of embezzlement and other crimes. In a controversial move, the current head of state, Zoran Milanovic, has also entered the race for head of government, despite warnings from the Constitutional Court.
The campaign has been turbulent, with both Plenkovic and Milanovic exchanging accusations and insults. Plenkovic has emphasized stability, security, and development, while Milanovic has pledged to fight corruption and lead a government of national salvation. The outcome of the elections will determine the future direction of Croatian politics, with implications for European policy and relations with other EU members.
The HDZ has been a dominant force in Croatian politics since independence in 1991, overseeing the country’s accession to the EU and the eurozone. Economic growth has been recorded, but critics point to a pattern of corruption and nepotism within the government. The results of the elections will shape the country’s path forward and determine the next steps in Croatian politics.