![BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaThe sharp-tongued president livening up Croatia’s electionPublished2 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage caption, The presence of Zoran Milanovic means the result of the Croatian election has become unpredictableBy Guy DelauneyBBC News, Zagreb, CroatiaThe involvement of Croatia’s sharp-tongued president in the country’s parliamentary election on Wednesday may not be constitutional. But it is certainly livening up what had threatened to be a predictable affair. The country’s parliamentary polls tend to follow a pattern. A centre-left coalition led by the Social Democrats (SDP) runs against the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), whose support runs from centre-right to right-wing nationalist. Most of the time, the HDZ wins. It consistently reaps the rewards of a large membership base and strong organisation – though opposition parties claim that patronage and corruption are just as influential.But this election looks like it might be different. And that is all down to the presence of Zoran Milanovic.He has consistently been rated as the country’s most popular politician since he became president four years ago, even though as head of state he has little actual power in running the country. So, announcing that he would be the SDP’s candidate for prime minister – the most senior political position in Croatia – meant that all bets were off.”The elections were already decided before that move,” says Kresimir Macan, a political analyst and consultant.”It was obvious that the ruling party, the HDZ, would be in a position to make a new governing coalition quite easily. But then Milanovic started a crusade against corruption and everything he says [the current] Prime Minister, Andrej Plenkovic, stands for.””People may not approve of Milanovic as president, but they like the way he talks.”Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Whatever the result of the election, Mr Milanovic is likely to remain centre stagePromoting the president as a potential prime minister had an immediate impact on the opinion polls. The previously yawning gap between the SDP and HDZ narrowed significantly. Smaller parties started smacking their lips at the prospect of being kingmakers in the formation of a new government.But then the judiciary intervened. Croatia’s constitution insists that the president should not be a party-political figure – but act as the head of state for all citizens. And the Constitutional Court duly ruled that Mr Milanovic could play no part in the election campaign – unless he resigned.The president’s response was, predictably, one of outrage. He accused the judges of doing the bidding of the HDZ – “the gangster clique”, as he put it.Just for good measure, he described the country’s senior jurists as “peasants” and labelled their judgement “illiterate”.For Mr Milanovic, this was very much on-brand. Officially, he is no longer a candidate in the election, but that has not stopped him from travelling around the country and launching invective at the HDZ.This has been highly discomfiting for Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, who has been in office since 2017. He finds himself having to respond to the president’s accusations and comments, despite Mr Milanovic’s lack of an official role in the campaign.This was very much the situation on a sunny late afternoon in the capital, Zagreb, when the prime minister attended an event at a children’s playground in the city and faced the media under the shade of some nearby trees.Image caption, Prime Minister Plenković has found himself having to respond to the president’s accusations and commentsHe rattled off a list of his government’s achievements – and set out his plans for his next term. But reporters still wanted to hear his views about the president’s latest comments.”It’s bizarre,” Mr Plenkovic told the BBC.”I’m trying to minimise the negative effects of the unconstitutional acts that were committed by the president. The Constitutional Court couldn’t have been clearer. For us, it’s the continuation of a very odd behaviour, to be very polite, for the BBC.”The president, on the other hand, relishes being impolite. And he is not just rude about the prime minister and his party.People in neighbouring Bosnia, illegal immigration, and military aid to Ukraine have all been lashed by Mr Milanovic’s sharp tongue. Meanwhile, he has spoken admiringly about Russia’s military prowess.These are all unusual positions for an ostensibly centre-left leader to adopt. Not to mention worrying for people who would rather Croatia did not have a populist government.For now, however, many on the left are hoping that the president is playing a cunning game, rather than revealing his true character.Image caption, Sandra Bencic, prime ministerial candidate for the green-left Mozemo party, says the president is being tactical about his approach”A lot of the reaching out towards the right wing is actually tactics,” reckons Sandra Bencic, the prime ministerial candidate for the green-left Mozemo party, which is not part of the SDP coalition, but says it would be willing to join a Milanovic-led government.”He’s taking [on] the issue of security and the army, he’s taking [on] the issue of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He’s taking on all these mythical [positions] that are [usually] part of the HDZ’s strategy.”Whether he can take the SDP to victory is another matter. If the party succeeds, Mr Milanovic is likely to resign so he can become prime minister.But even if his party falls short, the president plays a major role in the post-election formation of a governing coalition. So, either way, Mr Milanovic is likely to remain centre stage.Related TopicsCroatiaMore on this storyAlleged Serbian war criminal found hiding in IrelandPublished14 April 2023Bosnia and Herzegovina to begin talks to join EUPublished21 MarchTop StoriesBowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?Published10 hours agoUS tells Israel it won’t join any Iran retaliationPublished3 hours agoAnalysis: What will Israel do next?Published17 hours agoFeaturesBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on Israel. VideoBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on IsraelIsrael to respond to Iran attack ‘when time is right’Sarah Snook’s chicken and nine other Olivier momentsWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attack. VideoWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attackWatching my country fall apart day-by-dayThe sharp-tongued president livening up Croatia’s electionPrimary school places 2024: When do parents find out offers?New ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating”I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’Elsewhere on the BBCCharlotte Church explores her working class childhoodExpect mindful moments, laughter and a few tales of teens sneaking into clubs…AttributionSoundsCould switching to olive oil be good for your health?Michael Mosley discovers the surprising benefits of this component of the Mediterranean dietAttributionSoundsMaggie Rogers performs in Radio 1’s Live LoungeEnjoy her song ‘Don’t Forget Me’ and an incredible cover of Tate McRae’s ‘Greedy’AttributioniPlayerThis is the poetry show without the poetry!Tim Key’s smart, comedic chaos with guests Stephen Merchant and Lolly AdefopeAttributionSoundsMost Read1’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women – police2Dad of girl missing since 1981 to hand back medals3Salman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day4Boycott of Downing Street Eid celebration planned5Universal Credit ‘must change’ to tackle sickness6Sunset Boulevard equals Olivier Awards record7Bowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?8US tells Israel it won’t join any Iran retaliation9Trump’s first criminal trial to begin in New York10Israel ‘vows revenge’ as it ‘weighs up response’](https://newsinsightplus.com/wp-content/uploads/https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/7803/production/_133132703_zoranmilanovic.jpg)
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BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaThe sharp-tongued president livening up Croatia’s electionPublished2 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage caption, The presence of Zoran Milanovic means the result of the Croatian election has become unpredictableBy Guy DelauneyBBC News, Zagreb, CroatiaThe involvement of Croatia’s sharp-tongued president in the country’s parliamentary election on Wednesday may not be constitutional. But it is certainly livening up what had threatened to be a predictable affair. The country’s parliamentary polls tend to follow a pattern. A centre-left coalition led by the Social Democrats (SDP) runs against the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), whose support runs from centre-right to right-wing nationalist. Most of the time, the HDZ wins. It consistently reaps the rewards of a large membership base and strong organisation – though opposition parties claim that patronage and corruption are just as influential.But this election looks like it might be different. And that is all down to the presence of Zoran Milanovic.He has consistently been rated as the country’s most popular politician since he became president four years ago, even though as head of state he has little actual power in running the country. So, announcing that he would be the SDP’s candidate for prime minister – the most senior political position in Croatia – meant that all bets were off.”The elections were already decided before that move,” says Kresimir Macan, a political analyst and consultant.”It was obvious that the ruling party, the HDZ, would be in a position to make a new governing coalition quite easily. But then Milanovic started a crusade against corruption and everything he says [the current] Prime Minister, Andrej Plenkovic, stands for.””People may not approve of Milanovic as president, but they like the way he talks.”Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Whatever the result of the election, Mr Milanovic is likely to remain centre stagePromoting the president as a potential prime minister had an immediate impact on the opinion polls. The previously yawning gap between the SDP and HDZ narrowed significantly. Smaller parties started smacking their lips at the prospect of being kingmakers in the formation of a new government.But then the judiciary intervened. Croatia’s constitution insists that the president should not be a party-political figure – but act as the head of state for all citizens. And the Constitutional Court duly ruled that Mr Milanovic could play no part in the election campaign – unless he resigned.The president’s response was, predictably, one of outrage. He accused the judges of doing the bidding of the HDZ – “the gangster clique”, as he put it.Just for good measure, he described the country’s senior jurists as “peasants” and labelled their judgement “illiterate”.For Mr Milanovic, this was very much on-brand. Officially, he is no longer a candidate in the election, but that has not stopped him from travelling around the country and launching invective at the HDZ.This has been highly discomfiting for Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, who has been in office since 2017. He finds himself having to respond to the president’s accusations and comments, despite Mr Milanovic’s lack of an official role in the campaign.This was very much the situation on a sunny late afternoon in the capital, Zagreb, when the prime minister attended an event at a children’s playground in the city and faced the media under the shade of some nearby trees.Image caption, Prime Minister Plenković has found himself having to respond to the president’s accusations and commentsHe rattled off a list of his government’s achievements – and set out his plans for his next term. But reporters still wanted to hear his views about the president’s latest comments.”It’s bizarre,” Mr Plenkovic told the BBC.”I’m trying to minimise the negative effects of the unconstitutional acts that were committed by the president. The Constitutional Court couldn’t have been clearer. For us, it’s the continuation of a very odd behaviour, to be very polite, for the BBC.”The president, on the other hand, relishes being impolite. And he is not just rude about the prime minister and his party.People in neighbouring Bosnia, illegal immigration, and military aid to Ukraine have all been lashed by Mr Milanovic’s sharp tongue. Meanwhile, he has spoken admiringly about Russia’s military prowess.These are all unusual positions for an ostensibly centre-left leader to adopt. Not to mention worrying for people who would rather Croatia did not have a populist government.For now, however, many on the left are hoping that the president is playing a cunning game, rather than revealing his true character.Image caption, Sandra Bencic, prime ministerial candidate for the green-left Mozemo party, says the president is being tactical about his approach”A lot of the reaching out towards the right wing is actually tactics,” reckons Sandra Bencic, the prime ministerial candidate for the green-left Mozemo party, which is not part of the SDP coalition, but says it would be willing to join a Milanovic-led government.”He’s taking [on] the issue of security and the army, he’s taking [on] the issue of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He’s taking on all these mythical [positions] that are [usually] part of the HDZ’s strategy.”Whether he can take the SDP to victory is another matter. If the party succeeds, Mr Milanovic is likely to resign so he can become prime minister.But even if his party falls short, the president plays a major role in the post-election formation of a governing coalition. So, either way, Mr Milanovic is likely to remain centre stage.Related TopicsCroatiaMore on this storyAlleged Serbian war criminal found hiding in IrelandPublished14 April 2023Bosnia and Herzegovina to begin talks to join EUPublished21 MarchTop StoriesBowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?Published10 hours agoUS tells Israel it won’t join any Iran retaliationPublished3 hours agoAnalysis: What will Israel do next?Published17 hours agoFeaturesBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on Israel. VideoBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on IsraelIsrael to respond to Iran attack ‘when time is right’Sarah Snook’s chicken and nine other Olivier momentsWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attack. VideoWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attackWatching my country fall apart day-by-dayThe sharp-tongued president livening up Croatia’s electionPrimary school places 2024: When do parents find out offers?New ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating”I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’Elsewhere on the BBCCharlotte Church explores her working class childhoodExpect mindful moments, laughter and a few tales of teens sneaking into clubs…AttributionSoundsCould switching to olive oil be good for your health?Michael Mosley discovers the surprising benefits of this component of the Mediterranean dietAttributionSoundsMaggie Rogers performs in Radio 1’s Live LoungeEnjoy her song ‘Don’t Forget Me’ and an incredible cover of Tate McRae’s ‘Greedy’AttributioniPlayerThis is the poetry show without the poetry!Tim Key’s smart, comedic chaos with guests Stephen Merchant and Lolly AdefopeAttributionSoundsMost Read1’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women – police2Dad of girl missing since 1981 to hand back medals3Salman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day4Boycott of Downing Street Eid celebration planned5Universal Credit ‘must change’ to tackle sickness6Sunset Boulevard equals Olivier Awards record7Bowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?8US tells Israel it won’t join any Iran retaliation9Trump’s first criminal trial to begin in New York10Israel ‘vows revenge’ as it ‘weighs up response’
[ad_1] With Zoran Milanovic in the race, the result of the Croatian election has become unpredictable.
![BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityAsiaChinaIndiaHK jails European citizen for ‘demonising China’Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, A Portuguese citizen who also held a Hong Kong ID card is the first foreign national to be jailed under the city’s National Security LawFrances MaoBBC NewsPublished1 hour agoA Portuguese man has become the first European citizen jailed under the China-imposed National Security Law in Hong Kong, a law widely criticised by rights groups.Joseph John, also known as Wong Kin-chung, holds dual Portuguese and Hong Kong nationality and was previously based in the UK.He was arrested for posting pro-independence and anti-China content on social media, after returning to Hong Kong to visit family in 2022 In February, he was convicted of “secession” and on Thursday sentenced to five years in jail.Under the law, secession is the offence of advocating for Hong Kong to break away from China.John, 41, had previously been the head of a little-known group calling itself the Hong Kong Independence Party, where he operated the group’s Facebook and other social media accounts as well as a UK-registered website.The group advocated for foreign intervention in China’s rule over Hong Kong following the 2019 pro-democracy protests.In the wake of Beijing’s crackdown on protest, the group called for the “UK and US to send troops to Hong Kong” with online posts about petitions for foreign intervention and crowdfunding for an independent Hong Kong army.The pages were shut down in 2022, when John returned to Hong Kong to visit his ailing mother and was arrested by authorities.He pleaded guilty to “inciting secession” in February. In his sentencing trial on Thursday, Judge Ernest Lin said John had “distorted history, demonised China, and appealed to foreign countries to destroy [Hong Kong] and China by political or simply violent means”.He was sentenced to five years – the mandatory minimum now given to “serious” National Security Law cases. This has become the new legal standard set in the territory in recent years.How rule of law has deteriorated in Hong KongA guide to the National Security LawJohn had already been held in custody for 16 months – having been denied bail as a defendant charged under the National Security Law. It is now standard practice in Hong Kong for bail rights to be denied to those charged under the law, legal experts say.Portuguese consular officials as well as representatives from the European Union were in the Hong Kong District Court on Thursday.Portuguese officials said during John’s detention, they had been denied access to him.It’s been reported that Hong Kongers with dual nationality have not been able to receive foreign consular assistance as the city’s officials have been enforcing Chinese nationality rules. Beijing does not allow dual citizenship.John is believed to be the first dual national and first foreign citizen jailed under the Beijing’s National Security Law, which was imposed in response to the massive street protests that rocked Hong Kong in 2019 where demonstrators protested China’s increased rule and called for greater democratic rights.Image source, Getty Image caption, Protesters took to the streets of Hong Kong in 2019 to voice opposition to greater control from ChinaSince it was enacted in 2020, more than 290 people have been arrested under the law, with 174 people charged with national security crimes and 112 convicted.It criminalises anything considered as secession; subversion, which is undermining the power or authority of the central government; terrorism, which is using violence or intimidation against people; and collusion with foreign or external forces.China and Hong Kong authorities say the law is necessary to maintain stability in the city, and have rejected arguments it weakened Hong Kong’s autonomy.Rights groups and critics of the law say it crushed the political opposition and silenced any dissent in the city.Last month, Hong Kong also introduced another security law expanding authorities’ reach. The new law, known as Article 23, targets new offences like external interference and insurrection. Critics have warned that it further erodes Hong Kongers’ civil liberties.Related TopicsAsiaChinaHong KongTop StoriesUS restricts travel for employees in IsraelPublished1 hour agoOJ Simpson, NFL star cleared in ‘trial of the century’, dies aged 76Published2 hours agoUnpaid carers shocked at having to repay thousandsPublished5 minutes agoFeaturesThe Papers: Trident ‘safe in Labour’s hands’ and OJ dead at 76Suicide is on the rise for young Americans. Why?Obituary: The spectacular fall of NFL star OJ Simpson’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Weekly quiz: How did ‘Hardest Geezer’ celebrate the end of his Africa run?India election: What is at stake in the world’s biggest poll?Bowen: Israel denies famine looms in Gaza, but evidence is overwhelmingHow gang violence gripped a tourist havenNazanin: ‘Freedom is sweet… but it’s not easy’loading elsewhere storiesMost Read1Paxman: Parkinson’s makes you wish you’d not been born2Harry Kane says children ‘fine’ after car crash3Unpaid carers shocked at having to repay thousands4Trident ‘safe in Labour’s hands’ and OJ dead at 765Gang culture at neurosurgery department, doctor alleges6Concerns over TV show farm tenancy7David Cameron heads to Brussels for Gibraltar talks8UK food production at threat after extreme flooding9OJ Simpson, NFL star cleared in ‘trial of the century’, dies aged 7610US restricts travel for employees in Israel](https://newsinsightplus.com/wp-content/uploads/https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/eb03/live/3c61d190-f880-11ee-991d-2346cf38b49f.jpg)
