Green Party Prevails in Zagreb Election: Will Mozzemo! Deliver on Promises?
Možemo! (We Can!), a Croatian green-left political movement, has secured a resounding victory in the May 2022 local elections, with Tomislav Tomašević winning the mayoral runoff in Zagreb with 56.6% of the vote. This triumph not only marks a significant milestone for Možemo! but also for the green-left movement in Croatia.
Možemo!'s success can be attributed to several key factors. Firstly, the party's strong grassroots and activist origins have helped it maintain a connection with social movements and local communities, particularly in urban areas. Emerging from civic activism and the "Right to the City" movement, Možemo! has consolidated various smaller green and left-wing parties along with activists into a unified platform that focuses on wide participation, inclusiveness, and openness.
Secondly, Možemo!'s coalition governance with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Zagreb over the preceding four years provided a tangible track record. Voters treated the May 2022 elections as a referendum on this Green-Left administration, with Tomašević's strong showing in the mayoral race reflecting public approval of their governance approach.
Thirdly, Možemo!'s strategic alliances with other progressive forces, such as the SDP and parties aligned on green-left policies, have enabled them to secure and maintain a majority in city assemblies crucial for governance continuity. Beyond Zagreb, Možemo! has consolidated its presence in other urban centers like Pazin, Karlovac, Rijeka, Split, Osijek, Dubrovnik, and Pula.
Fourthly, Možemo!'s prominent leadership and diverse candidates, featuring figures from various backgrounds, have enhanced its appeal among diverse voter groups.
During the first term, Možemo! made visible progress in areas such as public transport modernization, renovation of kindergartens and schools, and investments in sports infrastructure. However, some key pledges, such as the closure of the Jakuševec landfill, remained unfulfilled due to resistance from interest groups linked to the former administration.
The political rise of Možemo! is a rare example of a rapid transformation from a grassroots movement into a serious political player, starting with its success in the Zagreb City Assembly in 2017. The coming months and years will reveal whether Možemo! has seized the opportunity to outgrow the context in which it was born and become a relevant force in reshaping Croatian political reality.
In 2024, Možemo! faced a major political test in a so-called "super election year" featuring parliamentary, European, and presidential elections, and managed to increase its presence in Parliament to ten seats, establish a foothold in the European Parliament, and secure around 9% of the vote in the presidential election.
However, Možemo! faces a tension between its local participatory roots and the need for national party discipline as it moves from activism to governance. The platform lacks enough locally rooted individuals who can credibly communicate its priorities and translate them into concrete political messages.
Despite these challenges, a new generation of politicians, such as Dorotea Šafranić, has joined Možemo! and prioritizes staying agile and flexible, giving space to young people who bring freshness and innovation to political work. Možemo! has also built a system of thematic working groups to bridge institutional politics and society.
In conclusion, Možemo!'s electoral success can be attributed to its roots in grassroots activism, demonstrated governance effectiveness in Zagreb, broad coalition-building, expanding urban voter base, and strong, diverse leadership presence. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether Možemo! can maintain its momentum and become a prominent force in shaping Croatia's political landscape.
- The success of Možemo! in Croatian politics can be traced back to its origins in grassroots activism, its ability to form broad coalitions, and its focus on local communities, particularly in urban areas.
- In the general news, Možemo!'s electoral victories, such as Tomislav Tomašević's win in the Zagreb mayoral runoff, have marked significant milestones for the green-left movement in Croatia, signaling a shift towards more progressive politics in the country.
