(03/16/10) -

Croatians Clearly Satisfied with Josipovic

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – People in Croatia hold positive views on their new president, according to a poll by Gfk. 68 per cent of respondents are satisfied with the performance of Ivo Josipovic.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – People in Croatia hold positive views on their new president, according to a poll by Gfk. 68 per cent of respondents are satisfied with the performance of Ivo Josipovic.

The president is largely considered as a ceremonial dignitary in Croatia, but is the commander of chief of the armed forces, oversees both foreign policy and intelligence services, and confirms the prime minister designate after parliamentary elections.

In the 2010 presidential election, Josipovic of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) defeated Zagreb mayor Milan Bandic in a run-off with 60.26 per cent of the vote. Josipovic was sworn in as president on Feb. 18, replacing Stjepan Mesic.

On Mar. 5, Josipovic called for changes in the way former Yugoslav republics deal with each other, saying, "We have to improve our relations—that was one of the most important objectives of my presidential program. (…) Croatian and Serbian politicians must work much more proactively. The current generation owes it to the next not to bequeath its problems."

Polling Data

Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the performance of Ivo Josipovic as president?