Political outline

Executive Power

The legislature is unicameral. The Parliament is a legislative body whose members are elected from party lists by popular vote to serve four-year terms. The constitution has been changed to shift power away from the President to the Parliament. People of Croatia have considerable political rights.

Legislative Power

President is the chief of the state, elected by popular vote for a five-year term. President can dissolve the Parliament and call for elections. President is also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The President appoints the Prime Minister and the Cabinet with the consent of Parliament. Prime Minister holds the executive powers.

Main political parties

Croatia has a multi-party system. The major political parties in the country are:
- HDZ (Croatian Democratic Union) - socialist, conservative, right-wing, advocates political and economic liberalisation;
- SDP (Social democratic party) - left-wing, ex-communist party;
- HNS (Croatian People's Party - Liberal Democrats) - liberal, democratic, advoactes economic reforms,
- HSP (Croatian Party of Rights) - nationalist, right-wing, advocates ethno-centric politics;
- HSS (Croatian Peasant Party) - left-wing, conservative, advocates pro-agrarian politices;
- HSU (Croatian Pensioner Party) - protects the interest of pensioners, draws support from labour unions as well.,

Current political leaders

President: Ivo Josipovic (since January 2010) - SDP
Prime Minister: Zoran MILANOVIC (since 23 December 2011) – SDP

Next election dates

Presidential: December 2014