HDZ Support Erodes, SDP Drops Below 20%; 'Možemo!' and Most See Significant Growth

Croatia's ruling HDZ party is experiencing a downward trend in public support, a phenomenon attributed to various factors including economic conditions, corruption, and clientelism. Political commentator Boris Jokić noted that while HDZ remains the leading party with 26.8% support, its backing has slightly diminished over the past six months. Jokić suggests that the party's move away from the political center towards more right-wing and extreme positions could alienate a portion of its voter base.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) is currently polling at 19.7%, failing to break the 20% psychological barrier despite recent activity. Their implemented measures have not yet resonated strongly with voters, leading to stagnation. In contrast, the "Možemo!" party, representing the left-wing political spectrum, has reached a year-high popularity of 12.5%, partly due to a more aggressive stance on certain issues.

The Bridge (Most) party is also seeing significant growth, now at 8.3%. Jokić highlighted Most's effectiveness in identifying and proactively addressing citizens' concerns from the right-wing perspective, characterizing their approach as potentially aggressive or populist but more articulated than other right-wing options.

In terms of individual politicians, President Zoran Milanović continues to lead in popularity with a 60% positive impression rating. He is followed by Biljana Borzan (43%), and Ivan Anušić and Tomo Medved (both 42%). Prime Minister Andrej Plenković is at 39%, sharing fourth place with Tomislav Tomašević and Nikola Grmoja. On the other end of the spectrum, Ivan Penava, leader of the Homeland Movement, is the most unpopular politician, with 65% of citizens holding a negative impression. Prime Minister Plenković also ranks high in unpopularity with 55%, followed by Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković at 54%.