Croatia's Conservative PM Faces Coalition Talks after Inconclusive Election

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković's party, HDZ, won the most seats but lacks a majority, necessitating negotiations with other parties to form a government.

Croatia's ruling conservative party, HDZ, led by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, secured the highest number of seats in the recent parliamentary elections but fell short of a majority.
The Social Democrats, backed by President Zoran Milanović, emerged as the second largest party, intensifying the rivalry between the president and the prime minister.
The far-right Homeland Movement and other smaller parties could play a crucial role as potential kingmakers in the formation of a new government.
Plenković faces accusations of corruption and challenges related to high inflation and a labor shortage, which could complicate coalition negotiations.
The outcome of these negotiations will influence Croatia's domestic and foreign policies, including its stance on EU and NATO relations amid regional instability.