Leadership Credibility Key for Croatian Voters

With parliamentary elections expected in November, the economy, the refugee crisis and voter trust in the main leadership candidates are likely to dominate the debate, sayspolitical analyst.

After parliament was dissolvedon Monday, Croatian President Kolinda Grabar Kitarovic will set a date for the election this week. The vote must be held within 30 to 60 days after being called.

As November 1 is All Saints Day, many commentators believe the vote will most likely be held between November 8 and 22.

Political analysts are predicting highly personalised campaigning as the two main party leaders, Zoran Milanovic, leader of the ruling Social Democratic Party (SDP) and TomislavKaramarko, leader of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), battle to persuade voters they are most capable and trustworthy.

"It seems that now... the question of [leadership] credibility will be the key issue," said retired professor of political philosophy at University of Zagreb and political analyst Zarko Puhovski.

"The question will be if Milanovic is credible with his attempt of going more to the right and if Karamarko is credible in his claims that Milanovic is a man that has no opinions whatsoever, except those that would bring him the win on elections."

Puhovski said voters are likely to assess leaders' credibility primarily on their handling of the refugee crisis and the economy. He isn't, however, expecting detailed debates on the state of the Croatian economy, despite it being of primary concern to voters.

"The economy will also be a frequent topic... but since no one has clear opinions on the issue, no meaningful debate can be [had]," he said.

The current centre-left government, headed by the SDP and Prime Minister Milanovic, is...