Election in Croatia

President Milanovic wants to run, but is not allowed to

President Zoran Milanović's candidacy in the Croatian parliamentary elections could trigger a serious national crisis.(Bild: APA/AFP/Attila KISBENEDEK)

As reported, the early parliamentary elections in Croatia will be held on April 17. President Zoran Milanović has announced his intention to stand as the lead candidate for the opposition Social Democrats. However, the Constitutional Court has now thrown a spanner in the works.

According to Croatian media reports, the President of the Constitutional Court, Miroslav Šeparović, announced on Monday that the President of the Republic cannot take part in the political activities of a political party while in office. A candidacy is only possible if he resigns immediately. However, Milanović has so far refused to do so.

The parliament in Zagreb dissolved itself in its last session.(Bild: APA/AFP/Damir SENCAR)

The participation of the president in the election campaign is incompatible with his constitutional position and powers as well as with the separation of powers. Accordingly, the president may neither be on an election list nor participate in the election campaign in any way. The Supreme Court reached its decision by nine votes to two.

Milanović only wants to resign if he wins the election
According to reports, the 57-year-old only wants to step down as president if he wins the election. However, if he sticks to this plan, it could trigger a serious national crisis. The President also plays a central role in the formation of the government after the election. He awards the mandate to form a government, which gives him great influence, especially in the event of an unclear balance of power.