Croats will head to the polls today to elect a new parliament after an election campaign pitting prime minister and president against each other, broadcast BTA.
Immediately after scheduling the elections, the head of state, Zoran Milanovic, unexpectedly announced that he would be the prime ministerial candidate of the largest opposition Social Democratic Party. The Constitutional Court ruled that his candidacy was incompatible with the presidency and that if he wanted to participate in the campaign, he should resign. However, he did not comply with this decision.
The entry of the 57-year-old Milanović into the election race gave the Social Democrats a pre-election boost and reduced the chances of the current prime minister - 54-year-old Andrej Plenković - for a third term.
According to the results of an Ipsos poll, announced on Sunday by Croatia's Nova TV, HDO would win 60 seats in the 151-seat parliament, and the Social Democrats - 41. This means that neither of the two main parties will be able to independently form government.
The right-wing nationalist party Fatherland Movement is expected to get 15 seats in parliament, the left-wing green platform Vozem – 11 places, and the right Bridge – 9 places according to the poll.
The eight years of administration of former MEP Plenković were marked by accusations of corruption. However, under his leadership, Croatia, which is a member of NATO and the EU, entered the Eurozone and Schengen last year, and the economy reported growth last year above the EU average.
Milanović's accusations of corruption against those in power and his colorful rhetoric resonate with many voters, and according to polls, he is ahead of Plenković in terms of popularity. The Croatian president has a critical attitude towards the EU. He is against helping Ukraine in the war with Russia, and also does not support Kyiv joining NATO.