Croatian State Electoral Commission yesterday released official results of Croatia’s parliamentary elections held on Sunday (December 4) confirming that the centre-left opposition block “Kukuriku” defeated the ruling conservatives.
The four-party opposition block “Kukuriku” led by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) won 80 seats in the 151-member parliament. The conservative Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) won 47 seats (including 3 from diaspora).
Zoran Milanovic, leader of Social Democratic Party will be the new prime minister of Croatia, replacing conservative Jadranka Kosor.
The HDZ has ruled since Croatia’s independence in 1991 except for a period 2000-2003, but the party’s popularity declined as it became embroiled in a series of corruption scandals and embezzlement.
The new government has promised austerity measures and steps to revive industry and attract foreign investment, while it faces a serious economic crisis, high unemployment rate nearing 20% and declining living standards.
Croatia is due to sign a European Union accession treaty this Friday (December 9), before joining in July 2013.
Image: © SDP