Croatian parliamentary elections: Pro-Ukrainian party in front
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković (photo: Getty Images)
The Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), led by current Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, is leading in the parliamentary elections. Plenković is a pro-Ukrainian politician, according to the Croatian State Electoral Commission and HRT.
As of 14:00 on April 18, 99.79% of votes from voters have been counted. The Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) has secured 61 seats out of 151 in parliament. This is five seats fewer than in the previous elections in 2020.
The coalition led by the opposition Social Democratic Party came second with 42 mandates. The informal leader of the alliance is the pro-Russian president, Zoran Milanović.
The right-wing populists from the Homeland Movement party secured the third position, obtaining 14 parliamentary mandates. The conservatives obtained 11 seats, while the left-green movement received 10.
Background
Preceding this, it's worth noting that elections in Croatia were scheduled following a wave of protests earlier in the year. These protests involved accusations of corruption against the HDZ. The Croatian Democratic Union has been in power continuously since 1991.
Media reports indicate that the elections were a test for the government party and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.
Constant disputes between Plenković and Milanović marked the pre-election campaign. The latter was not allowed to run in the elections because they held the position of president.
Plenković accused the president of pro-Russian positions and resistance to the training of Ukrainian soldiers in Croatia.
Election year
For the first time in history, elections will take place in over 70 countries with a total population of 4 billion people in 2024. The results, at least from some of these countries, especially in the West, could influence support for Ukraine.
For more on the elections of 2024, read RBC-Ukraine's article.
