CZCroatia has established itself as a reliable partner within the European Union, but internal tensions between liberal and conservative factions of its political scene are growing. Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, who has been in power for his third term, is often seen as a liberal ally of Brussels, maintaining a delicate balance between European demands and expectations from the conservative wing of his party and society. However, this equilibrium began to shift last summer with a controversial concert by nationalist rocker Marko Perković, known as Thompson, whose rhetoric and associations with far-right groups have raised concerns. Political scientist Anđelko Milardović warns that Plenković's increasing centralization of power resembles authoritarian tendencies.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both perspectives—highlighting concerns about Plenković's centralized power and the influence of far-right figures like Thompson—without overtly favoring one side. It includes balanced viewpoints from a political scientist and contextualizes Croatia’s position within the EU.
