Zagreb, 11 January 2010 – Candidate of the opposition Social Democratic Party, Ivo Josipović, will be the new President of Republic of Croatia for the next five years. Josipović won 60.3% of the vote in the second round held on 10 January, beating the independent candidate and mayor of Zagreb, Milan Bandić.

Josipović based his campaign on the programme called “New Justice” and uncompromising fight against corruption, and stressed his belief that “citizens of Croatia want to live in a country in which work is rewarded and criminal punished, in the country of social security and equal chances”. “I want European Croatia, European not only by membership in the EU but also by the values we stand for – human rights, rights of national minorities, religious freedoms, democracy and freedom, workers’ rights and social justice, culture, education and protection of environment.”

52-year old university law professor and classical music composer, who has been equally successful in his both professional careers, will succeed Stjepan Mesić, who has in his ten years as President highly contributed to the democratisation of the country, its opening to the world and rebuilding good relations with its neighbours.

Although Croatian President has rather limited power in policy making, as the only state official chosen directly by the citizens he enjoys high moral authority and is publicly considered a corrective to the Government. Josipović’s predecessor Mesić leaves a legacy of his presidential style marked by frequent public statements on various political and social issues, although his interventions have sometimes been controversial. Although Josipović enjoyed indirect Mesić’s support and promised to continue building on his legacy, he is expected to develop a new presidential style, more legalist and less controversial than his predecessor. While some mention his lack of charisma and political experience, many analysts think that a “boring, but intellectual and legalist President” is exactly what Croatia needs.

UATUC President Ana Knežević sent congratulations to Ivo Josipović on behalf of the members of affiliated trade unions. “Your election brings hope for return of the values that have been purposely suppressed in our society, such as moral and honesty. Your plead for Croatia as a country of social security and justice, workers’ and social rights, new justice in the pension system, free education, fight against corruption and equal chances for all are also part of the trade union agenda. In fulfilling such programme you will have unconditional support of the largest Croatian trade union confederation UATUC”, said Knežević.