Politics of Croatia

The politics of Croatia takes place in a framework of a parliamentary, representative democratic republic, whereby the Prime Minister of Croatia is the head of government, and of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government and the President of Croatia, who is the head of state. Legislative power is vested in the Croatian Parliament (Sabor). The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. The political system is established by the Constitution of Croatia, adopted in 1990.

Constitution

The Constitution of Croatia was adopted on 22 December 1990, replacing the previous socialist constitution. It established a semi-presidential system, but amendments in 2000 and 2001 transformed the country into a parliamentary republic, reducing the powers of the president and strengthening the prime minister and parliament. The constitution guarantees separation of powers, fundamental human rights and freedoms, and the rule of law. It can be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of all members of parliament. A Constitutional Court reviews the constitutionality of laws and protects constitutional rights.

Executive branch

President

The President of Croatia is the head of state, elected directly by popular vote for a five-year term, limited to a maximum of two terms. The president represents the country abroad, commands the armed forces, and has the power to dissolve parliament under certain conditions. The president also nominates the prime minister after consultations with parliamentary leaders. However, since the 2000 constitutional amendments, most executive powers belong to the government. The current president (as of 2025) is Zoran Milanović, elected in 2020.

Government

The Government of Croatia (Vlada Republike Hrvatske) is the main executive body, headed by the Prime Minister. The prime minister is nominated by the president and confirmed by a majority vote in parliament. The government consists of ministers, who are responsible for various departments. The prime minister sets the government's agenda and directs its work. The government must have the confidence of the parliament to stay in power. The current prime minister (as of 2025) is Andrej Plenković, leader of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), who took office in 2016 and was re-elected in 2020 and 2024.

Legislative branch

The Croatian Parliament (Sabor) is a unicameral legislature composed of 151 members elected for a four-year term. Parliamentary elections are held using a proportional representation system with a single nationwide constituency, and a legal threshold of 5% (or 3% for parties representing national minorities). Eight seats are reserved for representatives of national minorities (e.g., Serbs, Hungarians, Italians). The Sabor enacts laws, adopts the state budget, ratifies international treaties, and oversees the government. The Speaker of Parliament (President of the Sabor) is the second-highest office in the country after the President of the Republic.

Judicial branch

The judiciary in Croatia is independent. The court system consists of the Supreme Court, county courts, municipal courts, and specialized courts (commercial, administrative, and misdemeanor courts). The Constitutional Court is a separate body that reviews the constitutionality of laws and acts, and handles complaints regarding human rights violations. Judges are appointed by the State Judicial Council, an independent body, and serve permanent terms. The Supreme Court is the highest court of appeal.

Political parties and elections

Croatia has a multi-party system, with the two dominant parties being the center-right Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) and the center-left Social Democratic Party (SDP). Other significant parties include the right-wing Homeland Movement (DP), the liberal-conservative Most (Bridge), the left-green We Can! (Možemo!), and the liberal Croatian People's Party (HNS). Since independence, elections have been generally free and fair. The most recent parliamentary election was held in 2024, won by the HDZ-led coalition.

Presidential elections are held separately; the last one was in 2019/2020, won by Zoran Milanović (SDP-backed). Local elections also take place every four years.

Administrative divisions

Croatia is divided into 21 counties (županije), including the City of Zagreb, which has county status. The counties are further subdivided into municipalities (općine) and towns (gradovi). The government appoints prefects, but local self-government is exercised through elected councils and mayors. This structure is defined by the Law on Local and Regional Self-Government.

Foreign relations

Croatia is a member of the European Union (since 2013), NATO (since 2009), the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and the World Trade Organization. Its foreign policy focuses on European integration, regional cooperation in Southeast Europe, and support for the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina and other neighbors. Croatia has strong bilateral relations with the United States, Germany, and other EU members. It maintains a policy of good neighborly relations, though some issues with Serbia and Bosnia remain regarding war crimes, missing persons, and border disputes (e.g., the maritime border with Slovenia, resolved in 2017). Croatia also actively participates in EU enlargement policy in the Western Balkans.

Recent political developments

In the 2020s, Croatian politics have been dominated by the HDZ under Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, who has focused on EU funds, economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic, and energy security. The opposition SDP and left-wing parties have challenged the government on corruption and rule of law issues. In 2024, Croatia held a parliamentary election that resulted in a narrow victory for the HDZ, which formed a coalition government. The country also faced challenges related to inflation, demographic decline, and the integration of refugees. The relationship between President Milanović and Prime Minister Plenković has been notably contentious, with frequent political clashes.