In the parliamentary elections held on 17 April, the conservative Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) remained the largest group with 34.4 per cent of the vote (winning 61 out of 151 seats, six fewer than they won in 2020), while the Social Democratic Party (SPD) coalition came second with 25.4 per cent of the vote. The right-wing party, Homeland Movement was third with 9.6 per cent. The campaign featured Prime Minister Andrej Plenković (HDZ) versus President Zoran Milanović (SDP). Women won 24.5 per cent of parliamentary seats, totaling 37 seats, an increase of two from 2020, marking the highest number since the country gained independence. Voter turnout was 62.3 per cent, up from 46.9 per cent in 2020.

Sources: State Election Commission (1), State Election Commission (2), Reuters, The Association of the Balkan News Agencies Southeast Europe,  International IDEA (1), International IDEA (2)

After President Zoran Milanović declared his intention to run for Prime Minister in the 17 April elections on behalf of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the Constitutional Court asserted that Milanović could only pursue this candidacy if he resigned from his presidential position first. This decision was based on Article 96 of the Constitution, which prohibits the president from engaging in any other public or professional duties, emphasizing the non-partisan nature of the role and the prohibition of involvement in political party activities. President Milanović said that the Constitutional Court cannot do anything to him, that he would disregard its warning and that a potential annulment of elections by the Court would amount to a coup. Subsequently, he faced accusations of employing campaign rhetoric, prompting the State Election Commission to urge the President to abstain from direct involvement in election campaigning.

Sources: Hrvatska radiotelevizija (1), Hrvatska radiotelevizijav (2), Hrvatska radiotelevizija (3), N1 Info, Balkan Insight

On 14 March, Parliament approved “anti-leaks” amendments to the Criminal Code, despite petitions and protests from journalists and civil society. Article 307a states that anyone involved in a judicial or criminal proceeding who discloses non-public information without authorisation may face up to three years in prison. Journalists are exempt from being charged. The bill, proposed by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, passed with the support of the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) party. Critics argue that the amendments restrict freedom of speech, restrict access to information, and conceal corruption. The government said the aim is to "safeguard the presumption of innocence" and "protect the personal rights of those under investigation." The amendments, signed by President Zoran Milanović, took effect in March, though the President has criticized them and stated he would pardon anyone convicted for leaking information. 

Sources: Narodne Novine, President of the Republic of Croatia, Deutsche Welle, ARTICLE 19

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković proposed amendments to the Criminal Code, which would make unauthorized disclosure of materials from criminal proceedings punishable by up to three years in prison. President Zoran Milanović, media and law experts have condemned the amendments. The Croatian Journalists’ Association (HND) said the legislation will silence journalists and their sources and see it as an attack on freedom of speech and the public interest. The International Press Institute said that this proposal, along with the July 2023 draft of the new media law, are a step backward for press freedom ahead of the 2024 elections. The legislation comes following a recent leak of text messages from a legal procedure that led to Prime Minister Plenković being accused of involvement in corruption.

Sources: Balkan Insight (1), Balkan Insight (2), Croatian Parliament, People’s Dispatch, International Press Institute, Politico

A Human Rights Watch report revealed that the Croatian police are systematically and forcefully pushing refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants of different origins back to Bosnia and Herzegovina, disregarding their asylum claims and protection needs. According to the report, the practice includes mistreatment of vulnerable groups and violation of human rights norms as border police are involved in theft and destruction of personal belongings and are subjecting individuals to humiliating and racist treatment. Balkan Insight has also reported on the matter, citing local NGOs and experts who question the legality of these procedures under European law. Croatian authorities argue that these actions are governed by a bilateral agreement and should be classified as returns rather than expulsions.

Sources: Human Rights Watch, Balkan Insight