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Independence from Yugoslavia

As part of Yugoslavia from 1929, the Croats suffered in the era following the second world war, falling behind the rest of Western Europe both socially and economically. This eventually pushed the Croats into seeking change: Croatia and Slovenia declared independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, sparking one of Europe’s most violent and horrific wars.

Restructured government

After the years of turmoil and the terrible atrocities of war, Croatia managed to enter a period of stability in the first real democracy the country had seen for a long time. This lasted unchanged for 10 years, until the death of President Franjo Tudman when a new, parliament-based system was introduced to continue the reforms.

Elected parliament

After the death of Tudman in 1999, the opportunity was taken to shift the system to one of elected parliament, with a prime minister and a president above that. Suffrage is universal at the age of 18, which is lowered to 16 if the person is in employment.

New era

With this new system came an era of economic and social reform never before seen in the region, and has led to the country applying for membership of the European Union. Accession negotiations were opened in October 2005 and many observers expect to see the country join in around 2009 or 2010, before European expansion is put on hold for some years.

Moving away from Communist rule

The current government is primarily made up of members of the Croatian Democratic Union, or the HDZ as they are known. They have been in power since the transition from Communist rule and Croatia is the only known example of a country changing from a single party communist system to a single party anti-communist system and managing to do so peacefully. It has emerged from Communist rule and war as a remarkably politically stable country.

Government structure

Elections for the president's role are held every five years, providing the country's head of state. Parliamentary elections take place every four years, with between 100 and 160 representatives (the exact number is decided by the legislature). These representatives come from the various regional multi-seat constituencies and are elected by proportional representation. The prime minister, nominated by the president, is the official head of the government and leads the cabinet of ministers.

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Documents and Reports

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