Opposition wins Croatia presidency

Social Democrats leader Ivo Josipovic beats Zagreb mayor by wide margin.

croatia polls
Josipovic has vowed to fight corruption and is set to support the government's push to join the EU [AFP]

While the presidential role is somewhat limited in Croatia, the vote was seen as a test on whether Croatia would maintain its pro-Western course and fight against corruption.

The cabinet and parliament are the key decision-makers but the president is the supreme army commander, co-creator of foreign policy and hires and fires chiefs of intelligence services.

At least 4.4 million Croats were eligible to vote in the presidential run-off that saw two contrasting styles of leadership on offer in the nation that is looking to join the EU in 2012.

EU hopes

Josipovic is expected to support the government’s push to join the EU and has promised to back the drive by Jadranka Kosor, the prime minister, to implement reforms and fight corruption, as required by Brussels to complete EU accession talks this year.

But his win also gives a boost to his opposition Social Democrats party and sets up a possible showdown with the government over how to battle corruption and revive the economy.

Analysts say the government’s biggest challenge is to salvage the strained budget, particularly as its economic forecasts of growth this year are seen as too optimistic.

Josipovic will succeed veteran reformer Stjepan Mesic, whose second five-year term ends in February.

Source: News Agencies