Croatia's Shift to the Right: New Government Reflects European Trend

Croatian lawmakers have voted in a new center-right government that includes a hard-right Homeland Movement, marking a shift to the right in the European Union ahead of parliamentary elections next month.

In a vote that reflects a broader trend across Europe, Croatian lawmakers have approved a new government that leans towards the right. The new Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, includes a hard-right Homeland Movement, a relatively new party that emerged as a kingmaker after an inconclusive parliamentary election in April.

The new coalition government, dominated by the conservative Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), has a slim majority in the 151-member Sabor, or the Croatian assembly. It faces a period of political instability after HDZ's years-long domination.

In his speech, Plenkovic outlined the new government's priorities, including further economic growth and modernization. Croatia's economy has strengthened since it joined the EU in 2013, and the country adopted the euro currency last year.

However, the new government's decision to exclude a party representing Croatia's ethnic Serb minority has raised concerns about the disruption of ethnic balance in the country. The Homeland Movement has advocated for the abolition of state funding for a critical liberal news outlet and the return of traditional gender roles for women.

The Homeland Movement is part of a growing trend of hard-right and populist parties gaining ground in Europe. Such parties now lead or form part of governments in several EU countries, including Hungary, Poland, and Italy.

With the European Parliament election approaching, hard-right and populist parties are expected to make gains. The vote, scheduled for June 6-9, comes amidst multiple crises, including the war in Ukraine, climate emergencies, and migration.

The Croatian government's shift to the right mirrors a broader trend in Europe, where voters are increasingly turning to right-wing and populist parties. These parties offer simple solutions to complex problems, often fueled by nationalism and anti-establishment sentiment.

The rise of hard-right and populist parties in Europe has raised concerns about the erosion of democratic values, threats to media freedom, and the potential reversal of social progress. However, it remains to be seen if these parties can translate their electoral success into meaningful policy changes.

The Croatian government's decision to exclude the Serb minority party and the inclusion of the Homeland Movement have sparked concerns about the future of ethnic relations in Croatia. The country has a history of ethnic tensions and fought a war with Serbia from 1991 to 1995.

The Homeland Movement's nationalist and conservative views have raised concerns among liberals and minorities. Its rhetoric has been described as divisive and potentially damaging to the country's social fabric.

As Croatia navigates its new political landscape, it faces challenges in balancing economic growth with social cohesion. The country is at a crossroads, with the potential to move further towards the right or to find a more moderate path.