As Croatian voters prepare to cast votes in early parliamentary elections on Sunday for the second time in ten months, surveys suggest neither the centre-left People’s Coalition nor the centre-right Croatian Democratic Union, HDZ, will emerge as the clear victor.
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“SDP seems set to win but without an absolute majority” in the 151-seat parliament, political analyst Zarko Puhovski told AFP.
With the victory, MOST negotiated with two biggest party HDZ and SDP for months and at last formed a coalition government with HDZ, but the government stepped down only five months later following a no-confidence vote in June.
Croatia’s conservatives were poised to remain in power after winning a snap election, almost complete results showed Monday, but will have to begin coalition talks to form a government after falling short of a majority.
Nearly a year of political deadlock has blocked reforms badly needed in Croatia, which emerged from a six-year recession in 2015. The first preliminary official results are expected around 10 pm (2000 GMT), but exit polls after the end of the vote may prove a good indicator. HDZ will still fall short of an independent majority and the ability to form a government on its own if results are confirmed.
The Most party has said implementing its liberal reforms is its pre-condition for entering a coalition.
Croatia had tilted to the right under the HDZ-led government that took over following the inconclusive vote last November. Orešković’s rule was marred by coalition infighting that ended with the resignation of the HDZ leader and deputy prime minister over controversial business links, and brought global criticism over increasing nationalism that has strained already frail relations with neighboring Serbia.
HDZ is banking on staying in power with a new and more moderate leader, Andrej Plenkovic, who has pledged to move it away from populism and extremism.
ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) Zoran Milanovic, leader of Croatia’s opposition Social Democrats and a former prime minister, said Monday he will step down after a poor result of his coalition in weekend’s snap national election.
“Croatia needs a stable government, for the past months we had an unstable and destructive (one)”, he added.
Leaders of the Zivi Zid coalition have announced they would not join the government, regardless of who forms it.
Parties offered few details during the campaign on how to deliver promised higher standards of living for the 4.3 million people of Croatia, where unemployment stands at 13 percent.
“This is not a new trend, the right-wingers winning”, said Ljerka Kavoci, a Zagreb resident.
The EU wants its youngest member to tame high public debt, reduce the budget deficit and improve the business climate to spur economic growth.
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“I think we are moving toward a better future for Croatia”, Micic said.
