On June 19, 2026, the Croatian Parliament (Sabor) formally elected Ante Žigman as the new Governor of the Croatian National Bank (HNB), marking a significant shift in leadership within the country's central banking system. Žigman, who previously served as the head of the Croatian Agency for Supervision of Financial Services (HANFA), was the sole candidate nominated by the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) party. The vote saw 78 members of parliament support his appointment, while 36 voted against it. Before assuming his new role, Žigman was unanimously relieved of his position as chairman of the Board of Directors of HANFA due to potential conflicts of interest arising from his new responsibilities.
The transition follows the departure of Boris Vujčić, who took up the role of vice-president of the European Central Bank in early June. Vujčić had been appointed to lead the HNB by the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which has since criticized the HDZ for continuing to place individuals from similar political circles into key positions, arguing that such appointments prioritize the interests of banks over those of citizens. This sentiment was echoed by Mostov Nikola Grmoja, who cited lines from the poem *Gospodskomu Kastoru* by poet Silvijo Strahimir Kranjčević, warning that the HDZ’s actions could have long-term consequences for Croatia’s national identity and economic stability.
Žigman, a seasoned financial expert with three decades of experience in institutional roles, has been praised by HDZ representatives for his leadership in managing HANFA and his international reputation. However, critics raised concerns about his independence, particularly given that his wife, Nataša Mikuš Žigman, serves as the Minister of Regional Development and EU Funds. Some questioned whether Žigman could truly remain impartial in light of these familial ties to government officials. Anka Mrak Taritaš of the GLAS party pointed out that while Žigman might be independent from the HDZ and even from his spouse, he would still face challenges in maintaining autonomy from figures like Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, whom she accused of seeking control over all institutions.
The appointment also sparked debate regarding the risks facing Croatia’s banking sector. SDP representative Boris Lalovac warned that the HNB has been silent on major threats to financial stability, including the possibility of a crisis affecting hundreds of thousands of citizens unable to repay consumer loans. He emphasized the need for greater accountability and proactive measures from all institutions to prevent such scenarios. Žigman, during his presentation before the Parliamentary Committee on Finance and State Budget, outlined several priorities for the HNB under his leadership, including protecting consumer standards, ensuring price stability, strengthening the resilience of the financial system, enhancing cyber security, and promoting sustainable credit activity. He also highlighted the importance of fostering a stable financial environment conducive to investment, productivity, and long-term economic growth.
Despite the controversies surrounding his appointment, Žigman framed his selection as the culmination of a career spanning multiple facets of the financial sector. He noted that his experience in leading a bank, overseeing regulatory functions, and serving as a state secretary in the Ministry of Finance made him uniquely qualified for the role. His remarks were met with both praise and skepticism, reflecting the broader political tensions around the governance of Croatia’s central bank and its alignment with national economic policies.
As Žigman assumes his new role, the focus will likely shift toward addressing the pressing issues facing the banking sector and ensuring that the HNB remains a pillar of stability amid ongoing economic uncertainties. The coming months will test whether his leadership can navigate the complex landscape of financial regulation, public trust, and political influence in Croatia.
12 reports
N1 HrvatskaIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 7519 days agoThe Croatian Parliament (Sabor) is set to discuss and approve Ante Žigman as the new governor of the Croatian National Bank (HNB), replacing Boris Vujčić who has moved to Frankfurt to take up a position at the European Central Bank. Žigman was proposed by the HDZ parliamentary group, and no other candidates were nominated. The selection process involves the Committee for Appointments and Naming, which will provide its opinion before the full parliament votes. Žigman was previously interviewed by the Finance Committee, where he received positive feedback from the majority of MPs.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual account of the procedural steps involved in appointing a new central bank governor. It mentions the nomination by the HDZ parliamentary group but does not present any overtly biased language or selective sourcing. The content remains neutral in tone, focusing on the流程和
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 75): Accurately reports the procedural aspects of the vote and candidate selection. The tone remains relatively neutral while providing context about the process.
Večernji listIndependentLeftFactual 95Objective 7015 days agoThe Croatian Parliament (Sabor) has appointed Ante Žigman as the new Governor of the Croatian National Bank (HNB), succeeding Boris Vujčić who took up the role of Deputy Governor at the European Central Bank. Žigman received support from 78 deputies, while 36 voted against. He was the only candidate nominated by the HDZ parliamentary group. Before his appointment, he was unanimously removed from his position as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Croatian Agency for Financial Services Oversight. Mostov Nikola Grmoja criticized the decision, suggesting that the same circle of people is re-
Bias read (Left): The article includes direct quotes from Mostov Nikola Grmoja, a member of the Left-wing SDP party, criticizing the appointment of Žigman as part of a pattern of placing individuals from the same circle into key positions, implying favoritism towards banks over citizens' interests. The framing of the
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 70): Reports the event accurately with correct procedural and numerical details. The tone is biased due to inclusion of political rhetoric and selective emphasis on opposition critiques.
tportalIndependentLeftFactual 95Objective 7015 days agoThe Croatian Parliament (Sabor) has officially appointed Ante Žigman as the new Governor of the Croatian National Bank (HNB), succeeding Boris Vujčić who took office as Deputy Governor of the European Central Bank on June 1st. Žigman was the sole candidate nominated by the HDZ parliamentary group, receiving support from 78 deputies while 36 voted against. Prior to his appointment, the Sabor unanimously removed him from his role as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Croatian Financial Services Supervision Agency. The mandate of the HNB Governor lasts six years.
Bias read (Left): The article includes direct quotes from Mostov Nikola Grmoja (likely a representative of the opposition or critical voice) criticizing the HDZ for maintaining individuals within the same circle in key positions, implying favoritism towards banks over public interests. This framing highlights a left-
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 70): Accurate in reporting the vote outcome and candidate details. The article maintains a neutral tone overall but includes politically charged quotes from opposing sides.
Jutarnji listIndependentLeftFactual 95Objective 7015 days agoThe Croatian Parliament (Sabor) has appointed Ante Žigman as the new Governor of the Croatian National Bank (HNB), succeeding Boris Vujčić who took office as Deputy Governor of the European Central Bank on June 1st. Žigman was the sole candidate nominated by the HDZ parliamentary group, receiving support from 78 deputies and opposition from 36. Before his appointment, he was unanimously removed from his role as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Croatian Financial Services Supervision Agency. The HDZ had previously supported Vujčić's leadership at HNB, and now again placed someone from a
Bias read (Left): The article includes direct quotes from Mostov Nikola Grmoja (SDP) criticizing the HDZ for continuing to place individuals from the same circle into key positions, suggesting this prioritizes bank interests over citizens' interests. This framing emphasizes potential corruption and favoritism, aligns
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 70): Accurate in describing the vote and candidate details. The article includes direct quotes from political figures, introducing bias through selective representation of views.
Index.hrIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 7015 days agoThe Croatian Parliament (Sabor) has appointed Ante Žigman as the new Governor of the Croatian National Bank (HNB), succeeding Boris Vujčić who took up the role of Deputy Governor at the European Central Bank on June 1st. Žigman was the sole candidate nominated by the HDZ parliamentary group. He received support from 78 MPs and faced opposition from 36. Before his appointment, he was unanimously removed from his position as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Croatian Agency for Financial Services Oversight (HANFA). Opposition politician Nikola Grmoja criticized the move, suggesting it fav
Bias read (Center): The article presents the appointment of Ante Žigman as the new governor of the Croatian National Bank (HNB) without overtly favoring any political side. It includes both the procedural details of the appointment and critical comments from opposition figures like Nikola Grmoja, but does not take a立场.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 70): Accurate on the vote results and candidate details. The article includes direct quotes from political figures, which introduces bias through selective representation of viewpoints.
Net.hrIndependentRightFactual 95Objective 7015 days agoThe Croatian Parliament has appointed Ante Žigman as the new Governor of the Croatian National Bank (HNB), succeeding Boris Vujčić who took up the role of Deputy Governor at the European Central Bank. Žigman received support from 78 MPs while 36 voted against his appointment. Prior to this, the Parliament unanimously removed him from his position as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Croatian Financial Services Supervision Agency. The HDZ proposed Žigman as the sole candidate for the HNB governorship, with no other parties offering candidates. His term as governor lasts six years.
Bias read (Right): The article presents the appointment of Ante Žigman as the new HNB governor, emphasizing his selection by the HDZ and noting the lack of opposition candidates. It includes a quote from Mostov Nikola Grmoja (SDP) criticizing the HDZ for placing individuals from the same circle into key positions, but
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 70): Accurate on the vote outcome, candidate details, and procedural facts. However, the tone is biased toward political criticism, using emotionally charged language like 'kobasičare' and quoting inflammatory rhetoric from opposition figures.
Novi listIndependentLeftFactual 95Objective 7015 days agoThe Croatian Parliament has appointed Ante Žigman as the new Governor of the Croatian National Bank (HNB), succeeding Boris Vujčić who took office as Vice President of the European Central Bank on June 1st. Žigman received support from 78 MPs while 36 voted against. He was the only candidate nominated by the HDZ parliamentary group, with other parties not proposing their own candidates. Žigman previously served as chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Croatian Financial Services Supervision Agency and was unanimously removed from that position before his appointment.
Bias read (Left): The article includes direct quotes from Nikola Grmoja of the SDP, criticizing the HDZ for continuing to place individuals from the same circle into key positions, suggesting this prioritizes bank interests over citizens' interests. The framing emphasizes the SDP's critique of the HDZ's influence and
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 70): Same content as item 0, with identical factual accuracy but similarly biased tone and selective quotation of political statements.
N1 HrvatskaIndependentRightFactual 95Objective 7015 days ago Ante Siegman is the new governor of the HNB.The Croatian Parliament has appointed Ante Žigman as the new Governor of the Croatian National Bank (HNB), succeeding Boris Vujčić who took up the role of Deputy Governor at the European Central Bank. Žigman was the sole candidate nominated by the HDZ parliamentary group, receiving support from 78 MPs while 36 voted against. Prior to his appointment, the Parliament unanimously removed him from his position as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Croatian Financial Services Supervision Agency. The SDP criticized the move, arguing that it continues to place individuals from the same circle,袒
Bias read (Right): The article presents the appointment of Ante Žigman as the new governor of the Croatian National Bank with minimal contextualization of the political implications. It highlights the HDZ’s nomination of Žigman without providing balanced perspectives on the criticism from the SDP, which argues that Žg
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 70): Correctly presents the factual elements of the vote and candidate background. The tone is somewhat biased due to the inclusion of political commentary and rhetorical language.
Večernji listIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 7019 days ago This week's flavor names Ante Žigman as the governor of the HNBThe Croatian Parliament (Sabor) is set to appoint Ante Žigman as the new governor of the Croatian National Bank (HNB), replacing Boris Vujčić, who has moved to Frankfurt to take up a position at the European Central Bank. Žigman was proposed by the HDZ parliamentary group, and no other candidates were nominated. The appointment process involves the Committee for Appointments and Nominations, which will consider Žigman after receiving feedback from the Committee for Finance and State Budget. Žigman was previously interviewed by the Finance Committee last week, where he received positive support
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual account of the procedural steps involved in appointing Ante Žigman as the new HNB governor. It mentions the role of the HDZ parliamentary group in proposing him but does not present any overtly biased language, framing, or selective sourcing. The tone remains neutral,
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 70): Accurately reports the vote outcome and candidate details. The tone is biased due to the inclusion of political rhetoric and emotionally charged language.
N1 HrvatskaIndependentRightFactual 95Objective 6517 days ago In a regulated state, he wouldn't hold any public office.The article discusses the controversy surrounding Ante Žigman's potential appointment as governor of the Croatian National Bank (HNB), with opposition members expressing doubts about his independence due to his wife being a minister in the government. The HDZ party defends Žigman, calling him an 'exceptional expert.' Dr. Tereza Rogić Lugarić, state secretary at the Ministry of Finance, highlights Žigman's achievements during his tenure as head of the HANFA agency. However, SDP member Irena Dragić criticizes Žigman, citing issues such as illegal trading within HANFA and cyber collapses under他的的
Bias read (Right): The article presents the HDZ party's defense of Žigman as an 'exceptional expert' while giving less emphasis to the criticisms raised by the SDP. The framing leans toward supporting Žigman's qualifications despite the controversies, suggesting a right-leaning perspective.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 65): Facts are accurate, including the vote count and candidate details. However, the article leans into opposition criticisms and uses emotionally charged language to frame the appointment.
HRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija)State / PublicCenterFactual 90Objective 7515 days agoThe Croatian Parliament (Sabor) is set to vote today on the candidate for the new Governor of the Croatian National Bank (HNB), Ante Žigman, who would replace Boris Vujčić, who is leaving for a position at the European Central Bank. Žigman was previously relieved of his duties as chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Croatian Agency for Financial Services Oversight. The session will also include votes on decisions related to the retirement of MPs Furij Radin and Ivan Matič, as well as several laws discussed over the past two weeks, including a new law imposing stricter penalties for undeclr
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual summary of parliamentary proceedings without overtly favoring any political side. It reports on the voting process regarding the appointment of a central bank governor and other legislative actions without using biased language or emphasizing one perspective over the
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 75): Provides accurate procedural information about the vote and candidate background. The tone is more neutral compared to others, though it still includes some political commentary.
Telegram.hrIndependentLeftFactual 50Objective 5015 days agoThe Croatian Parliament has appointed Ante Žigman as the new governor of the Croatian National Bank (HNB), succeeding Boris Vujčić who took up the role of vice president at the European Central Bank. Žigman received support from 78 MPs, while 36 voted against. He was the only candidate nominated by the HDZ parliamentary group. Before his appointment, the Parliament unanimously removed him from his position as chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Croatian Financial Services Supervision Agency. The SDP criticized the move, suggesting it reflects continued influence of the same financial and寡
Bias read (Left): The article includes direct quotes from SDP members criticizing the appointment of Žigman, using strong language such as 'kobasičare' (a derogatory term implying corruption or self-interest). The framing emphasizes the SDP's perspective, highlighting concerns over financial interests being priorited
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