Croatia’s conservatives were poised to remain in power after winning a snap election but will have to begin coalition talks to form a government after falling short of a majority. But the HDZ was aspiring to stay in power with the moderate Plenkovic, who has pledged a “Europe-oriented” government. His SDP rival, former prime minister Zoran Milanovic, 49, told supporters in Zagreb early on Monday that Croatia needed a stable government. Despite pledging a government of progress and tolerance, Milanovic sharpened his populist rhetoric during the campaign after disappointing voters with few reforms when in power before the HDZ coalition took control. He repeatedly criticised the Serbian prime minister, Aleksandar Vucic, over his ultranationalist wartime stance.

Source: The Guardian September 11, 2016 23:10 UTC