Croatian politicians clash over Constitutional Court judge selection

A political dispute has erupted in Croatia's Parliament over the selection of judges for the Constitutional Court. Branko Bačić, Deputy Prime Minister and a key figure in the ruling HDZ party, accused the left-wing opposition parties, specifically the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Možemo!, of acting as "junior partners" and deliberately obstructing the judicial appointment process.

“

SDP has become the junior partner of Možemo!

The controversy centers on the perceived delays by the HDZ in selecting candidates for the court. The opposition has criticized the ruling party for months, alleging unnecessary procrastination. However, Bačić countered these claims, stating that during a committee session, an agreement was reached with SDP's Saša Đujić to review candidate applications. He asserted that the session veered off course due to a "short but fierce political debate."

“

In Parliament, the left opposition accused HDZ of unnecessarily delaying the selection of candidates for Constitutional Court judges for months.

Bačić criticized the opposition's behavior, describing their rhetoric as akin to "road bandits" when questioning the qualifications of candidates. He expressed hope that the SDP and Možemo! would cease their obstruction, emphasizing the Constitutional Court's crucial role in Croatia. He also commented on remarks made by Sandra Benčić of Možemo!, suggesting nervousness within her party.

“

I hope that the left opposition, primarily SDP and Možemo!, will not delay and block the filling of Constitutional Court judges as they did in the previous call, that they will finally understand that the Constitutional Court is too important an institution in the Republic of Croatia and that it should not be trifled with.

Separately, Bačić addressed the Croatian Democratic Union's position on the rights of ethnic Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina, referencing a declaration by the Domovinski Pokret party. He affirmed that the HDZ government has significantly supported Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina politically, economically, and culturally, highlighting it as a high priority.

“

The relationship towards Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina is high on our list of priorities.