Well-informed sources within the SDP reveal that Možemo's rising approval ratings are stirring concern and fear of a scenario where the smaller partner would dictate the terms of a future left-wing coalition, including the interior ministry portfolio.
While the SDP records stagnation and a slight decline in polls, their potential coalition partner, the Možemo party, is continuously growing. This trend, it seems, is not being viewed with enthusiasm by everyone within the SDP ranks. According to information from Dnevno.hr, Možemo's growing popularity is causing increasing discomfort among critics of SDP president Siniša Hajdaš Dončić, who believe that entering a broad left-wing coalition could be detrimental to the party.
In July 2026, Možemo surpassed the 13 percent support threshold, a clear sign that the party is expanding its voter base beyond Zagreb. This growth, as a well-informed source from the SDP told Dnevno.hr, puts the SDP in an unenviable position. "Možemo's rising approval ratings are not in our favor, even though they are our increasingly likely coalition partners. Through the weakening of the SDP, Možemo is growing into a party of national significance that will, in all likelihood, have enormous influence and, consequently, significant demands in a future left-wing coalition," she stated.
The source warns that the SDP has in the past already sacrificed its own candidates and positions on electoral lists to appease smaller partners, and now faces the same scenario. She adds that Možemo, with the legitimacy brought by rising approval ratings, will certainly seek key ministries and impose its own economic policies in the pre-election program. "Furthermore, it is possible that if their ratings continue to rise, the cooperation could fracture because Možemo will insist on its own prime ministerial candidate, which is currently unacceptable to Hajdaš Dončić," she concluded.
Although the coalition has not yet been formally agreed upon, speculation is already rife about the ministerial seats that would go to Možemo. As the foundation of their political ideology, the party will certainly insist on the Ministry of Environmental Protection, with Dušica Radojčić mentioned as a potential head of that department. Additionally, they are interested in the Ministry of Culture and Media, which could be taken over by Urša Raukar Gamulin, as well as the Ministry of Health, where Ivana Kekin is mentioned, and the science and education portfolio, for which MP Bakić is a potential candidate.
However, the most controversial option being whispered about is that MP Sandra Benčić could take over the Ministry of the Interior. Although Benčić is known for her uncompromising fight against corruption and has a legal career behind her, the idea of an activist taking control of the police apparatus and secret services is meeting resistance within the SDP. Her arrival at the helm of the Interior Ministry would mark the introduction of stricter civilian oversight of the police and a significant shift in migration policy.
In a context where neither the left nor the right option may secure a clear majority, Most could play a crucial role. With an approval rating of nine percent, this party is positioning itself as a potential kingmaker that could determine the formation of a new government. This scenario presents a huge challenge for Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and the HDZ, despite their still solid right-wing voter base.
