16 Apr 2024 | 03:57 PM UTC
Croatia: Election-related protests possible following April 17 poll
Political activists may protest in cities in Croatia over the coming days after April 17 parliamentary election.
Croatia will hold a parliamentary election on April 17. Protests in reaction to the outcome of the poll are possible in the days following the election; the most likely protest times are after voting results are announced (generally the night of the election or the next day) and when the winning party announces the formation of a coalition. Major protests have taken place in recent weeks, including during the election period, in Osije, Rijeka, Split, Varazdin, and Zagreb; the largest drew tens of thousands of participants. Should protests occur, the largest will likely be in Zagreb at either Europe Square (Europski Trg) or St. Mark's Square (Trg Svetog Marka, also known as Markov Trg).
Heightened security and localized transport disruptions are likely during the election and near any demonstrations that occur. Confrontations between protesters and law enforcement officers or opposing political party supporters are possible.
Avoid all protests as a standard precaution. Allow additional time if traveling in urban centers due to heightened security. Strictly heed all instructions from law enforcement officers. Immediately depart the area at the first sign that any security disturbance may occur.
Political tensions are high in Croatia in the lead-up to the April 17 election. Following mounting public pressure through February and early March, incumbent Croatian Prime Minister and head of the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) Andrej Plenkovic dissolved parliament and called early elections. President Zoran Milanovic, a member of the opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP), subsequently declared his intent to run for Prime Minister in the election. The Supreme Court later ruled that Milanovic must resign from the presidency in order to run for Prime Minister; however, Milanovic continues to campaign without having resigned.
Both Plenkovic and Milanovic have employed unusually harsh rhetoric throughout the election campaign. Milanovic, in particular, has taken a hard line, referring to Plenkovic as a "dictator" and accusing the HDZ of systemic corruption. However, on the eve of the election, the HDZ maintains a lead over SDP. While demonstrations are possible denouncing the election results regardless of which party wins, they are particularly possible if the HDZ maintains control of parliament as opposition activists have repeatedly demonstrated their willingness and ability to protest en masse in recent weeks.
