Croatia elects first woman president

[Still Waters]

Opposition challenger Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic has become the first female president of Croatia, winning by the narrowest of margins.

She secured 50.5% of the vote with 99% of ballots counted, while incumbent Ivo Josipovic was close behind on 49.5%.

Mr Josipovic has conceded defeat and congratulated his opponent.

http://www.bbc.co.uk...europe-30765822

[Ashotep]

I think this is great, hopefully she will lead the country in a positive direction that is good for all its citizens.

[Helen of Annoy]

It was tense. First unofficial exit polls showed Kolinda wins by very few percent, then first official results showed it’s Ivo that will win by few thousand votes only, then as more votes were counted, it became clear she won.

I must admit it was amusing to watch both candidates’ headquarters, both complete with live bands and hordes of invited and uninvited guests, experience sudden drastic turns. The funniest part was choice of music, so one of the last songs in Ivo’s headquarters was “I will survive” Sure he will, only not as a political figure. The left is dead for now. (Not that there’s any left left in Croatia. SDP is only declaratively social-democratic.)

Personally, I’m happy it was that tight, because we have a huge problem with politicians who think they’re god-given. Or that their functions are god-given and they don’t have to put any effort into anything of public importance.

Many people didn’t vote for a candidate, they voted against the current president winning another term. In words of a friend of mine: I don’t care who I vote for, as long as it’s someone else.

And that comes from dissatisfaction with current government. Now former president Josipovic was seen as integral part of the left coalition, though he always insisted he is above party divisions for as long as he’s the president. Nice, but clearly was not convincing to the (tight) majority of voters.

The best part about these elections is that this is the first time no rumours of the dead voting, or flood of peronospora (pet name for emigration) votes.

Whoever won, at least it looks like it was fair. And that's good news.

[Black Red Devil]

Opposition challenger Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic has become the first female president of Croatia, winning by the narrowest of margins.

Is that you Helen?

[Helen of Annoy]

Is that you Helen?

No, I'm better looking

[spartan max2]

Man that is close.

[Helen of Annoy]

Man that is close.

Close, and about 50% of registered voters voted. Usually you can’t motivate half of the electorate to get up and vote.

So it’s roughly a quarter of leftish leaning citizens, a quarter of rightish and the other half of population is too depressed to vote.

I wish there’s at least a hope in any form of change for the better. This is tiny country, but we have resources, position, people, everything... how come we’re so poor and screwed up is a mystery. Yes, there was a war, and yes, we had history of various unfit people in power, but still... we can do better that this.

It’s not something any politician can change, people have to wake up and try, not just sit depressed and complain, but it’s up to politicians to create a climate where people will see any point in trying.

So far, the monstrous bureaucracy and corruption made any effort almost pointless.

[spartan max2]

Close, and about 50% of registered voters voted. Usually you can’t motivate half of the electorate to get up and vote.

So it’s roughly a quarter of leftish leaning citizens, a quarter of rightish and the other half of population is too depressed to vote.

I wish there’s at least a hope in any form of change for the better. This is tiny country, but we have resources, position, people, everything... how come we’re so poor and screwed up is a mystery. Yes, there was a war, and yes, we had history of various unfit people in power, but still... we can do better that this.

It’s not something any politician can change, people have to wake up and try, not just sit depressed and complain, but it’s up to politicians to create a climate where people will see any point in trying.

So far, the monstrous bureaucracy and corruption made any effort almost pointless.

Any clue why there was such a turnout?

Was some huge issue going on?

[+joc]

Any clue why there was such a turnout?

Was some huge issue going on?

Helen probably voted about 5000 times!

[regeneratia]

YAY! The USA is behind the times. And Hillary isn't the best woman this country can elect.

[+joc]

YAY! The USA is behind the times. And Hillary isn't the best woman this country can elect.

Hillary is the Worst woman this country could select!

Here are a couple that would/could make a difference: Margaret Thatcher...wait she's dead and wasn't born here...but hey, neither was Obama...

Sarah Palin...wait...her son stepped on their dog...can't have that in the White House....

Michelle Bachman...no wait...Mark Levin likes her...can't have anyone Mark Levin endorses in the White House...

Oh...how about...that Brilliant Black Chick ....Condy Rice? ....no she's not Black enough...

...well we are back to Ted Cruz again aren't we....

[Michelle]

How about Kathy Griffin?

But this thread isn't about the US so please do continue.

[Helen of Annoy]

Any clue why there was such a turnout?

Was some huge issue going on?

The economy is disastrous, people are very dissatisfied with that, naturally. The left center that is currently in power did nothing or didn't succeed in doing something.

President Josipovic was certain he'll be re-elected and there's nothing really wrong with him, he wasn't re-elected simply because a lot of people perceive him as a part of left coalition, and the majority perceives that left coalition as incompetent.

Many people who normally wouldn't vote came out to send the message to the current government and that message is: we are not happy with your work.

Helen probably voted about 5000 times!

And that's precisely what has moved in the better direction in Croatia: once all present, serious accusations of election frauds dropped to the minimum.

Besides, I didn't say who I voted for. I'm just happy with that newfangled democracy thing finally kinda working over here

How about Kathy Griffin?

But this thread isn't about the US so please do continue.

Another cool thing about these elections is that no one was impressed (or horrified) with Kolinda being a woman. It was completely marginal, though obvious fact.

[Sir Smoke aLot]

I hope that she will work hard to improve life for Croatian people as she is saying that all the time. Sretno komšije

I also hope that she won't ruin good relations that our countries have, she already made big mistake with one statement about partitioning Bosnia even further, directly supporting HDZ to make it's own version of private empire in Bosnia - as if our destroyed economy could support even more administration. Al' eto, političar a da ga briga o ljudima iz susjedne države, dobro je ako bude o svojima vodila računa kako treba

[odas]

No, I'm better looking

It is almost impossible not to look good if you are a Hrvatica. I kind of have a crush on Kolinda though, guess I like older women that are younger then me. Good luck neighbors.

[Helen of Annoy]

I hope that she will work hard to improve life for Croatian people as she is saying that all the time. Sretno komšije

I also hope that she won't ruin good relations that our countries have, she already made big mistake with one statement about partitioning Bosnia even further, directly supporting HDZ to make it's own version of private empire in Bosnia - as if our destroyed economy could support even more administration. Al' eto, političar a da ga briga o ljudima iz susjedne države, dobro je ako bude o svojima vodila računa kako treba

It is almost impossible not to look good if you are a Hrvatica. I kind of have a crush on Kolinda though, guess I like older women that are younger then me. Good luck neighbors.

Hvala obojici, moje komshije

Thank you both, my neighbours

Unfortunatelly, HDZ (right centre party Kolinda belongs to) ima na dusi (carries a burden on its soul) - too long periods of catastrophic politics related to Bosnia&Herzegovina.

To be brutally honest, I’m not sure if whole of HDZ was cured of that old illness, but I believe the further destabilisation of B&H won’t be allowed to anyone.

Croatia has obligations both in NATO and EU, so any pretensions from 1990s are impossible today.

Also, Kolinda said B&H joining EU is one of Croatian priorities. Maybe some people in HDZ want that only because of Croats in B&H, but the upside is that it has to be whole B&H coming back to Europe, not just some impossible to determine Croatian chunk of it.

We’ll make it. We'll move forward. With politicians that we have, or in spite them.

Edited January 13, 2015 by Helen of Annoy

[+joc]

Hvala obojici, moje komshije

Thank you both, my neighbours

Unfortunatelly, HDZ (right centre party Kolinda belongs to) ima na dusi (carries a burden on its soul) - too long periods of catastrophic politics related to Bosnia&Herzegovina.

To be brutally honest, I’m not sure if whole of HDZ was cured of that old illness, but I believe the further destabilisation of B&H won’t be allowed to anyone.

Croatia has obligations both in NATO and EU, so any pretensions from 1990s are impossible today.

Also, Kolinda said B&H joining EU is one of Croatian priorities. Maybe some people in HDZ want that only because of Croats in B&H, but the upside is that it has to be whole B&H coming back to Europe, not just some impossible to determine Croatian chunk of it.

We’ll make it. We'll move forward. With politicians that we have, or in spite them.

Do you ever worry about Big Bad Putin rolling his forces into your homeland?

[Helen of Annoy]

Do you ever worry about Big Bad Putin rolling his forces into your homeland?

Rolling conventionally, he’d never come this far.

Let’s hope he will stay aware of that.

The rest is one of my rants, feel free to skip it

The way could be cleared only by nukes and he can’t detonate them that close to Russia. Unless he gets all suicidal, but even if he does, the rest of Russian key people won’t.

I’m very seriously worried for the Baltic, Poland, all countries at Black Sea, and, of course, I’m the most worried about Ukraine. Ukrainians will never surrender and they will win in the end, but how much more they’ll have to sacrifice? The same goes for others, if attacked, they’d be the end of Russia, but to what cost? I’m worried for Russians too, I don’t want to see them die for the imperialist cause. (It’s not like people get to choose when the real **** hits the fan.)

What used to worry me was the Russian money and/or gas buying politicians, even in Croatia. That chance is getting thinner with each day and with each drop of oil price, but the trouble is that in this part of Europe, you can buy a short-sighted politician very cheaply.

Then you still have characters who begun their careers in former communist services, more or less secret, who are still serving the same structures or are easily blackmailed with their commie informer, aparatchik or even criminal, murderous past.

Then I’m fairly worried with morons throughout Europe who put political differences above their nation. It’s your family first, morons, and you can argue about politics with your family until cows come home, but you do not betray your family because of some trivial party. Parties come and go, family is forever. Idiots. If only you’d collectively move to Russia right ****en now. I’ll pack your bags.

So, in short, I’m more angry than worried.

No one needed this crap. Instead of forward, Russia just made 20 years backwards and is doing her best to drag more of Europe with her.

Well, I’m not going back.

[stevewinn]

Where does the Governance power in Croatia lie? with the Prime Minister or the President? If im right in thinking the power is in the hands of the Prime Minister and the Government, What sort of impact will the New President have? what powers of good can she use when trying to bring about changes?

[Helen of Annoy]

Where does the Governance power in Croatia lie? with the Prime Minister or the President? If im right in thinking the power is in the hands of the Prime Minister and the Government, What sort of impact will the New President have? what powers of good can she use when trying to bring about changes?

You’re right, it’s the Government with the Prime Minister that actually leads the country.

The President may seem as ceremonial figure - goes around laying flowers at monuments, signs pardons, pins medals on people, and formally confirms decisions of Sabor (Croatian Parliament).

That’s why every Croatian president traditionally promises: I won’t be president-ficus! (favourite office plant since socialism) and then they end up being ficuses.

Most people are happy with that, because the first president, Tudjman, had serious control issues and was obsessed with trying to rule and even look like late J.B. Tito. Not surprising, since Tudjman was one of his generals before he miscalculated the Communist party climate and fell from grace. And that’s the man that founded HDZ, right centre party, won the first presidential elections ever and from that point on, sadly, did everything wrong, in my own opinion. HDZ likes to call him the father of the nation, which is absolutely ridiculous. Croatia won the war, ensured her independence and later joined NATO and EU in spite of Tudjman’s blunders and borderline treason, not thanks to him.

Then God looked down at Croatia, had mercy and we had two lefty ficuses, quite lovable but rather useless guys. Both came with dark conspiracies, enthusiastically spread by the right. These conspiracies accidentally portrayed them as a lot more active and connected people than they were, judging from what they couldn't do. It doesn’t matter, at least they were relatively sane and didn’t embarrass us abroad.

Now we’ll have Kolinda, from the same HDZ that has its religiously devoted members but also horrible image of a movement with nationalist rhetoric but very unpatriotic habit of funnelling money out of already crumbling economy.

Can she motivate the Sabor to initiate the early elections and make an actual change... probably not right now.

But the message was sent: electorate is not happy with current government and majority won’t vote for them or anyone perceived as theirs. They won the last elections mostly because people voted for them just so they vote against HDZ. This time it will be the other way around. Yes, it will, yes, it will. But they don't listen to people like me. They listen to the hordes of well paid assistants and advisors. Fine.

There’s a year or so until parliamentary elections, but instead of waking up, ministers managed to produce two more affairs since Sunday. It’s quite painful to bear it.

And who do we vote for then? Two major parties disqualified themselves so epically, in my opinion, all the two-members parties are their satelites, the newcomers are ridiculous... the only upside are Der Untergang parodies inspired with this situation.

[+joc]

But they don't listen to people like me. They listen to the hordes of well paid assistants and advisors. Fine.

There’s a year or so until parliamentary elections, but instead of waking up, ministers managed to produce two more affairs since Sunday. It’s quite painful to bear it.

Yep, sounds like Democracy in action to me...lol

...oh btw...thanks for the advice...it's been forwarded!

Edited January 14, 2015 by joc

[Helen of Annoy]

Yep, sounds like Democracy in action to me...lol

It’s such a disaster I have a conspiracy theory: current government is actually deliberately doing the worst possible job, pondering what they could do next to provoke the public. So they certainly lose the elections and calmly spend the rest of their careers undisturbed while they are doing nothing.

There's one good guy left in the left, but he's in EU parliament. We need him back home.

...oh btw...thanks for the advice...it's been forwarded!

You’re welcome Especially that bolded part! Remind him of that bolded part!

[+joc]

It’s such a disaster I have a conspiracy theory: current government is actually deliberately doing the worst possible job, pondering what they could do next to provoke the public. So they certainly lose the elections and calmly spend the rest of their careers undisturbed while they are doing nothing.

There's one good guy left in the left, but he's in EU parliament. We need him back home.

You’re welcome Especially that bolded part! Remind him of that bolded part!

The way it seems to work here is, one party says they will do this and such...and when the people finally have enough of their bs, they stay home and don't vote and the other party gets in...back and forth...all the while...spending like wild drunken sailors and skimming what they make us spend, off the top and into their pockets.

[Helen of Annoy]

The way it seems to work here is, one party says they will do this and such...and when the people finally have enough of their bs, they stay home and don't vote and the other party gets in...back and forth...all the while...spending like wild drunken sailors and skimming what they make us spend, off the top and into their pockets.

You're not poor enough yet. Poverty makes people take action in the end. We're almost there.

So far, only one great new custom: everyone goes and uses their voting paper.

Not everyone votes, but everyone uses it. Our portals are full of photos of humorous, rude and weird messages.

So Batman had at least few votes, many dead historic figures, then parts of human anatomy and so on.

Someone even tried to contest the results because of thousands of non-valid votes, but that was pathetic.

[questionmark]

It’s such a disaster I have a conspiracy theory: current government is actually deliberately doing the worst possible job, pondering what they could do next to provoke the public. So they certainly lose the elections and calmly spend the rest of their careers undisturbed while they are doing nothing.

There's one good guy left in the left, but he's in EU parliament. We need him back home.

You’re welcome Especially that bolded part! Remind him of that bolded part!

He will be much more useful for Croatia there if he is good.