Second term for Prime Minister Plenković

Despite difficult circumstances due to the pandemic, but benefiting from favourable epidemiological conditions at the beginning of summer, Croatians were called to the polls to renew their parliament at the end of the legislature. The Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), a centre-right party led by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, came out on top, winning 66 seats, far ahead of the left-wing Restart coalition, which secured only 41 seats in the 151-seat parliament. With 16 parliamentary seats, the Homeland Movement secured third place. The day after the elections, Prime Minister Plenković formed a majority composed of the HDZ, liberal and Christian Democratic parties, and the eight deputies representing national minorities.

2020

22 mars–29 décembre

Photo : Damjan Tadić / Cropix

A year of resilience, trials, and solidarity

The year 2020 brought unprecedented challenges to Croatia. In March, a devastating earthquake of magnitude 5.5 struck Zagreb, and in December, Petrinja was hit by a 6.2 magnitude earthquake. The estimated damage amounted to over 17 billion euros, which is four times the estimated cost of the pandemic for the Croatian economy (3.9 billion euros). Amidst the fight against COVID-19, which had already significantly slowed the economy and halted social life, Croatia had to cope with a dual catastrophe. The solidarity and unity of the Croatian people shone through once again, but the challenges of recovery and reconstruction will be longterm. Despite everything, Croatia demonstrated remarkable resilience, facing crises that tested its strength and unity. Despite an economic decline of 8.6% in 2020, Croatia quickly recovered thanks to a strong GDP growth of 13.1% the following year.