Croatian Opposition Elects New Leftist Leader

On Saturday, Bernardic, 36, was elected leader of the SDP, Croatia's strongest opposition party, beating opponent and former interior minister Ranko Ostojic.

With 91 percent of votes now counted Bernardic — who will be the youngest ever leader of the SDP — has a 64.5 per cent of vote. He was seen as a clear favourite to win after taking 46 percent in last week's first round of voting. Ostojic took 23 per cent.

"Today, the SDP has won, thank you all from the heart. I would like to thank Zoran Milanovic [incumbent party president] for everything he has done for the SDP."

"I would like to thank the people who have supported me all these years, through times when it was most difficult. Thank you, my comrades, from the heart," Bernardic said in his speech on Saturday evening after the victory was declared in the party's Zagreb headquarters.

Bernardic was President of the SDP Youth Organisation between 2005 and 2009 and a MP from 2008 onwards.

After the SDP was criticised in recent years for shifting to a more centrist position Bernardic - and other six candidates standing in the first round of party elections - pledged to return the party to its leftist roots.

However, while Bernardic is moderate politician with a strong support base in Zagreb he has also been criticised for not taking a firm position on key issues.

On Saturday he announced an initiative to "build a new society" of equal opportunities. He also said the SDP would care for the poor and the workers, as well as reforming the healthcare and education systems, but did not give specifics on what these would be.

His rival during the party elections, Ostojic, congratulated Bernardic on his win.

"I'll give him my support. Congratulations to everyone who came...