Croatian SDP grapples with internal disputes amid mayor's criticism and ex‑city official's dismissal

Igor Rađenović, a former SDP parliamentarian, was abruptly removed from his role as director of Zagreb's city cemeteries. The dismissal, announced by the Zagreb holding of SDP, stemmed from rising tensions between the SDP and the Možemo! coalition and followed Rađenović's claim that he was sacked for opposing an illegal investment plan at the Sisačko water utility.

Former Zagreb mayor Milan Bandić, also a former SDP member, addressed the public after the first‑round presidential results showed SDP candidate Ivo Josipović advancing to the runoff. Bandić urged voters to choose "a different kind of president" and criticized Josipović as a product of SDP's narrow leadership, saying Croatia needs an independent, decisive leader not controlled by any party. Josipović responded by urging citizens to vote for a "brighter" Croatia in the second round.

Both episodes highlight growing internal friction within the SDP ahead of Croatia's presidential election.