Local elections bring big changes in key Croatian cities

Tomislav Tomašević delivers his winning speech (Photo: HINA/ Admir BULJUBAŠIĆ/POOL)

ZAGREB, 1 June 2025 – Croatia’s second round of local elections brought unexpected shifts in several key cities on Sunday, with surprise victories in Split, Vukovar and Pula, where second-place candidates from the first round emerged as new mayors.

The city of Rijeka also elected a new administration, marking a significant political change.

Vukovar: Pavliček Unseats HDZ-Backed Candidate

Marijan Pavliček, representing the Croatian Sovereigntists (DOMiNO), has been elected mayor of Vukovar. Although he trailed in the first round, Pavliček secured 51.14% of the vote in the run-off, narrowly defeating Domagoj Bilić (supported by the Homeland Movement, HDZ, and partners), who received 48.86%.

Bilić had stood in place of Ivan Penava, Vukovar’s outgoing mayor since 2014 and president of the Homeland Movement.

Marijan Pavliček gives the V for Victory sign (Photo: HINA/Gordan Panić/POOL)

Split: HDZ’s Tomislav Šuta Ousts Incumbent Puljak

In Split, incumbent mayor Ivica Puljak (Centre party) failed to secure a second term. He received 46.81% of the vote, losing to Tomislav Šuta (HDZ), who claimed victory with 53.19%—a margin of 3,655 votes.

Tomislav Šuta pours the champagne (Photo: HINA/ Mario STRMOTIĆ/ POOL)

Zagreb: Tomašević Wins Second Term

The capital city Zagreb re-elected Tomislav Tomašević (Možemo, supported by the SDP) as mayor. Tomašević secured a comfortable 57.56% of the vote, while challenger Marija Selak Raspudić (MSR-NL) garnered 42.44%.

Rijeka: Rinčić Ends Independent Rule

Iva Rinčić, leading a broad coalition (AM, Unija, Centre, HSU, Fokus, Alternativa), won the mayoral seat in Rijeka with a commanding 64.96%. She defeated independent candidate Marko Filipović, formerly of the SDP, who managed 35.04%.

Iva Rinčić (Photo: HINA/ Miljenko KLEPAC/POOL)

Pula: Grbin Turns the Tables

Peđa Grbin (SDP), previously second in the first round, achieved a comeback in Pula, winning with 53.23% of the vote against incumbent Filip Zoričić, an independent, who secured 46.77%.

Zadar: HDZ Maintains Stronghold

In Zadar, HDZ’s Šime Erlić was elected mayor with 59.35%, keeping the city under HDZ governance. His challenger Daniel Radeta (SDP and partners) received 40.65%.

Šime Erlić and Marin Piletić (Photo: HINA/Zvonko KUCELIN)

Other Cities: HDZ and Incumbents Retain Control

HDZ incumbents held firm in several key cities:

• Karlovac: Damir Mandić retained office with 53.47%, defeating Draženka Polović (Možemo and partners).

• Šibenik: Željko Burić won convincingly with 64.02% over Tonči Restović (SDP, Možemo).

• Dubrovnik: Mato Franković earned a strong mandate with 65.16%, ahead of Anita Bonačić Obradović (SDP), who received 34.84%.

Mato Franković celebrates in Dubrovnik (Photo: HINA/Baldo MARUNČIĆ/POOL)

Slavonski Brod: Duspara Stays On

In Slavonski Brod, independent Mirko Duspara (DM-NL) secured re-election with 60.68% of the vote, beating HDZ’s Tomislav Tekić (39.32%).

Požega: HDZ Claims Open Mayoral Seat

With the incumbent stepping down, Borislav Miličević (HDZ, HSU) won the mayoral race in Požega, securing 53.48% against Mitar Obradović (SDP, HSS), who received 46.52%.

Sinj: Bulj Holds On – Barely

Miro Bulj (Most) narrowly retained his post as mayor of Sinj, winning 50.29% of the vote—just 61 votes more than Igor Vidalina (HDZ), who captured 49.71%.