Nikola Grmoja: Most Will Not Support Left-Wing Government or Negotiate with HDZ

Nikola Grmoja, a prominent member of the Croatian political party Most, declared on April 24, 2024, that his party will not support the Social Democratic Party (SDP) or any left-wing government in the aftermath of the recent Croatian elections. Grmoja also stated that Most does not wish to engage in negotiations with the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ).

The April 17 elections in Croatia resulted in a complex political landscape, with no single party securing a clear majority. HDZ emerged as the party with the most seats (61), followed by SDP (42), Domovinski pokret (14), and Most (11). The left-oriented Mozemo! party secured 10 seats, while smaller parties and regional groups also gained representation.

Grmoja's statements indicate that Most, as a key political player, is positioning itself to potentially play a role in the formation of the new government. However, he made it clear that the party will not align with the left or the HDZ. The Homeland Movement, led by Ivan Penava, has expressed openness to negotiations with all parties except the Independent Democratic Serb Party (SDSS) and the Možemo party.

Mislav Kolakušić, who has parted ways with the Homeland Movement due to their negotiations with HDZ, which he considers a "criminal organization", further complicates the political situation. Left-wing parties are still attempting to form a majority, but Vesna Vučemilović from the Croatian Sovereignists has criticized their efforts, stating that the election mathematics are clear and that they should address the Možemo party instead of lecturing others.

Why this matters: The complex political situation in Croatia following the elections has significant implications for the country's future direction and stability. The inability of any single party to secure a clear majority has led to intense negotiations and political maneuvering, with the potential to impact Croatia's domestic and international policies.

As the deadline for submitting candidate lists for the upcoming European Parliament elections on June 9th has passed, Grmoja reiterated Most's stance on not supporting a left-wing SDP-led coalition or the HDZ in forming a new government. The negotiations regarding the parliamentary majority are intensifying, with various parties and leaders expressing their positions and conditions for potential alliances.

Key Takeaways

• Most party rejects SDP, left-wing govt, and HDZ coalition in Croatia elections
• HDZ won most seats (61), followed by SDP (42), Domovinski pokret (14), and Most (11)
• Homeland Movement open to talks with parties except SDSS and Možemo
• Left-wing parties still trying to form majority, facing criticism from Sovereignists
• Most reiterates stance against SDP-led or HDZ coalition as EU election deadline passes