Croatian Opposition Leader Claims Majority Without HDZ, Možemo!, and SDSS Parties

In the aftermath of Croatia's closely contested parliamentary election, opposition leader Božo Petrov has claimed that 76 MPs can form a government without the involvement of the ruling conservative Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), the left-wing Možemo! party, and the Independent Democratic Serb Party (SDSS). This assertion has left mathematicians puzzled as they attempt to verify the feasibility of Petrov's claim.

The election results saw HDZ secure the most seats but fall short of an outright majority. Prime Minister Andrej Plenković of HDZ has stated that the pm, party has reached out to potential partners and will continue discussions to establish a new governing majority. Meanwhile, the main opposition center-left Social Democratic Party finished second, and the far-right Homeland Movement emerged as a potential kingmaker in the formation of the next government.

President Zoran Milanović contributed to the post-election landscape, noting that two-thirds of the votes were cast for parties opposed to corruption, crime, and inequality. He emphasized that only a party capable of assembling a 76-seat majority has the right to lead the government.

Why this matters: The outcome of Croatia's parliamentary election and the subsequent coalition negotiations will have significant implications for the country's political direction and its stance on key issues such as corruption, support for Ukraine in the ongoing war against Russia, and its pro-Western orientation. The ability of opposition parties to form a viable governing coalition without HDZ, Možemo!, and SDSS could signal a major shift in Croatia's political landscape.

The election was widely viewed as a test of the conservatives' popularity ahead of the European Parliament elections scheduled for June. As negotiations continue, the nation awaits clarity on which parties will come together to form a stable government that can effectively address the challenges facing Croatia in the coming years.

Key Takeaways

• Opposition leader Božo Petrov claims 76 MPs can form govt without HDZ, Možemo!, SDSS.
• HDZ won most seats but fell short of majority; PM Plenković seeks coalition partners.
• President Milanović says only party with 76-seat majority can lead govt.
• Election outcome will impact Croatia's stance on corruption, Ukraine, and pro-Western orientation.
• Election seen as test of conservatives' popularity ahead of European Parliament elections.