Croatian lawmakers have approved a new government that marks a tilt to the right, including the hard-right Homeland Movement, raising concerns about instability and the country's ethnic balance.
Croatian lawmakers have voted into office a new government that marks a significant shift to the right, becoming the latest European Union nation to embrace more conservative leadership. The new Croatian government includes the conservative Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), as well as the relatively new Homeland Movement (DP), a hard-right party that emerged as a kingmaker after an inconclusive parliamentary election in April.
Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, who is starting his third consecutive term in office, secured approval for his new Cabinet in a 79-61 vote in the Croatian parliament. While the HDZ won the most votes in the April 17 election, it did not secure enough seats to rule alone. The narrow majority for the new coalition government could usher in a period of political instability after years of HDZ dominance.
Plenkovic outlined his government's priorities, which include further economic growth and modernization. He emphasized that citizens have recognized the government's efforts in these areas. Croatia's economy has experienced significant growth since joining the EU in 2013, and it joined the single currency market last year.
Notably, Croatia's new government does not include a party representing the country's ethnic Serb minority. This has raised concerns that the country's ethnic balance, which was hard-won after the Serb-Croatian war from 1991-95, could be disrupted. Plenkovic pledged to respect the rights of national minorities and protect their achievements.
However, Anja Šimpraga, a former government minister from the Independent Democratic Serb Party, warned of "radicalization" and expressed concerns about the erosion of minority rights. Liberal lawmaker Sandra Bencic criticized the "homeland spirit" fueling divisions within society.
The Homeland Movement, a party made up primarily of radical nationalists and social conservatives, has made controversial demands. It has advocated for abolishing funding for the critical liberal news outlet Novosti, which is issued by the Serb minority and funded by the budget. The Croatian Journalists' Association has reported that Novosti journalists have received threats and been labeled enemies of the state, blaming the DP campaign against the outlet.
Additionally, the DP has advocated for a return to traditional gender roles, which could have implications for women's rights in Croatia, a predominantly Catholic and conservative society.
The inclusion of hard-right and populist parties in several EU governments is seen as a growing trend. These parties are poised to make gains in the upcoming June 6-9 election for the European Parliament.
