Andrej Plenković (born 8 April 1970) is a Croatian politician and former diplomat who has served as Prime Minister of Croatia since 19 October 2016. He is also the chairman of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), the main centre‑right party in Croatia, a position he assumed in 2016. Plenković is widely described as a pro‑European, pragmatic conservative who has emphasized Croatia's role within the European Union and stability in domestic governance.

Background and early career

Plenković studied law in Zagreb and completed postgraduate studies in European affairs. He worked in the Croatian foreign service and in positions connected to European integration prior to holding elected office. Before becoming prime minister he served as a Member of the European Parliament and held roles that combined diplomacy, legal training and policy work on EU matters.

Political career and leadership

After winning the HDZ leadership contest in 2016 he led his party into national government and formed a parliamentary majority. His tenure has included management of major national events and policy priorities such as economic reform, public administration, and Croatia's participation in EU institutions. Under his premiership Croatia held the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2020.

Policies, priorities and public response

Plenković's government has focused on fiscal consolidation, attracting investment, judicial reform and deeper integration with the EU. His approach tends toward centrist coalition‑building rather than ideological confrontation; this style has drawn praise for steadiness and criticism from some party hardliners and opposition figures who argue for stronger domestic reform or different social policies.

Notable events and challenges

  • Led the country through crises such as the COVID‑19 pandemic and the 2020 Zagreb earthquake, coordinating public health and reconstruction responses.
  • Managed Croatia's EU Council presidency, which raised the country's profile in Brussels and required balancing domestic and regional priorities.
  • Faced political debates about corruption, judicial independence and economic inequality, common themes in Croatian politics.

Plenković remains a central figure in contemporary Croatian politics. Observers note his emphasis on European engagement and pragmatic coalition politics as defining features of his leadership, while domestic critics continue to push for accelerated reforms in governance and transparency.