Croatian Democratic Union wins general election in Croatia

The State Election Commission (DIP) announced that with 95.54 percent of the votes counted, the HDZ has secured 60 seats in the 151-seat national parliament.

The "Rivers of Justice" coalition, formed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Center, People's Party-Reformists, Civic Liberal Alliance (GLAS), Croatian Peasant Party (HSS), and the Party with First and Last Name (SSIP), placed second with 42 seats.

The "Homeland Movement" coalition secured 14 seats in the national parliament, while the "Most and partners" coalition entered with 11, the "We Can!" coalition with 10, the Istrian Democratic Assembly (IDS) with 3, the Independent Platform of the North with 2, and the Focus-Republic coalition with 1 seat.

There will also be 8 representatives from minority parties in the national parliament.

VICTORY STATEMENT FROM PLENKOVIC

In a statement to the press, HDZ President and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said, "What is important is that the HDZ has convincingly won the parliamentary elections for the third time in a row. Starting from the morning hours, we will begin forming a new parliamentary majority to establish the government for the third time."

Plenkovic stated that the HDZ has worked to protect the interests of Croatians living both within the country and abroad during the previous two terms, and that they will continue their efforts in this direction.

Congratulating his rivals, Plenkovic said, "Of course, we will look after the interests of Croatia and its economy."

SDP President Pedja Grbin said, "There will be negotiations ahead that may last for days, weeks, or even months, but these negotiations will end in change. This change will make Croatia a better country. Croatia can be and will be a better place to live."

Meanwhile, as no single political party or coalition has secured the necessary majority in a country where 76 seats are required to form a government, a coalition government is expected to be formed.

In Croatia, the youngest member of the European Union (EU), the HDZ also won the general elections held in 2016 and 2020.

News Source: AA