Rijeka SDP Elects New President Amidst Internal Strife

Rijeka, long considered a stronghold of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), is undergoing a significant internal shake-up following a disastrous showing in the recent local elections. The party's national leadership, deeply concerned by the loss of the city after decades of SDP rule, took the drastic step of dissolving the local organization. Now, in an effort to rebuild and regain trust, Rijeka members have elected a new leader.

The election itself is noteworthy, as it featured two candidates, Toni Štimac and Marko Mataja Mafrici. This stands in contrast to many other SDP organizations where leadership elections have been uncontested, with only one candidate put forward by the party's central committee. While the national leadership reportedly favored Štimac, a former local official, Mataja Mafrici's candidacy offered a choice and a chance for dissent among the membership.

Sources within the Rijeka SDP suggest a division among the members. Some are expected to follow the party's directive and vote for Štimac, likely due to existing ties or perceived alignment with the party's current direction. Others, however, are reportedly disillusioned with the party's recent decisions, particularly the abrupt change of mayoral candidate which they believe contributed to losing Rijeka. These members may see the election as an opportunity to express their dissatisfaction with both the national leadership's choices and the direction the party has taken.

This internal contest in Rijeka reflects a broader challenge for the SDP: how to reconnect with its traditional voter base and regain credibility after significant electoral setbacks. The outcome of this leadership race, and the underlying tensions it reveals, will be crucial in determining the party's future in a city that has historically been central to its identity.

“

A good part of the membership will listen to the party leadership and vote for Štimac because they are tied by interest to that group. Those who are disappointed will want to show that they do not agree with the party leadership's choice, but also with the moves because of which we believe we lost Rijeka, and that is the sudden change of candidate for mayor when, instead of the then SDP mayor Marko Filipović, the party decided to support Sandra Krpan.