Croatian MP Josip Dabro Released, Coalition Strengthened

OSIEK, Croatia — The Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) regained a narrow majority in parliament Monday after Homeland Movement MP Josip Dabro was released from custody. Dabro, charged with violating child rights and illegal weapon possession, was detained Thursday amid concerns he might influence witnesses.

Upon his release around 3:30 p.m., Dabro did not provide comments but expressed he felt “like a bullet” to journalists present. His detention followed the leak of videos showing him giving an automatic rifle to his underage son.

The HDZ coalition temporarily lost its majority while Dabro was in custody. However, parliament did not convene during this time, preventing any immediate parliamentary vote that could have jeopardized the coalition’s status.

Following last week’s parliamentary session, where his immunity was lifted, Dabro mentioned he would reconsider his support for the HDZ coalition, which holds 75 of the 151 parliamentary seats. Despite speculation about Dabro’s political future, the Homeland Movement maintained that his position was secure.

Berto Salaj, a political science professor at the University of Zagreb, shared insights into the political dynamic. “The DP is in no hurry for an early election. Their support is weak. They want to assert their importance but are cautious about risking their presence in parliament,” he stated.