Croatia’s Election Outcome: A Balancing Act Ahead

Croatia’s ruling conservatives, led by Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, emerged victorious in the parliamentary election, securing 60 seats in the 151-seat parliament. However, to retain power, they will need support from far-right groups, including the Statehood Movement, which gained 14 seats. The election underscored a bitter rivalry between President Zoran Milanovic and Prime Minister Plenkovic, with Milanovic backing an alliance of centrist and left-wing parties.

The outcome holds significant implications for Croatia’s domestic policies and its stance on EU unity amidst the conflict in Ukraine. Plenkovic’s victory maintains Croatia’s pro-Western trajectory, while Milanovic’s success could signal a potential shift towards stronger pro-Russia influence, akin to neighboring Hungary and Slovakia.