Zagreb city boss’s death will upend Croatian politics

Significance

Municipal elections on May 16 will be particularly significant in Zagreb, where Bandic’s death lays wide open Croatia’s third-most-important political contest, after those for parliament and the presidency. His 20-year rule of Croatia’s capital was dogged by accusations of corruption, including a spell in prison awaiting trial. He died with the Agram case and an appeal against acquittal in another case undecided.

Impacts

• Bandic was a key HDZ ally in the capital, where the ruling party has little traction.
• His well-established network of political and business associates could try to survive under new leadership.
• Zagreb is a key political prize in Croatia, with GDP per capita twice the national average and one-fifth of the population.