How did Možemo manage to enter the Croatian veterans' turf?

At the end of last year, a group of veterans who are members of Možemo began to publicly speak out, and in October 2025 they launched the 'We Defended Freedom' campaign as a reaction to attempts by veteran organizations to thwart cultural events.

Why is this significant for HDZ?

HDZ faced a loss of influence over the veteran population from two sides: from the right by HOS, and now from the left by Možemo, which is a turf HDZ could not afford to lose.

How many gold medals did the young water polo national teams win?

This summer, the young Croatian water polo national teams won three gold medals: world golds in the U16 and U18 categories, and European gold in the U20 category.

Croatia

Možemo Enters HDZ's Veterans' Turf

A.G. · Prije 9h | 2 min

With the 'We Defended Freedom' campaign, the party has gained the trust of some veterans, while the young Barakude celebrate three gold medals this summer.

Summary

Možemo has entered the veterans' turf traditionally held by HDZ through a series of actions and the 'We Defended Freedom' campaign.
The SDP failed to achieve this for two decades, and HDZ is now under pressure from both the right (HOS) and the left (Možemo).
The young Croatian water polo national teams won three gold medals this summer (U16 and U18 world golds, and U20 European gold).

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Over the past few months, the Možemo party has executed one of the most intriguing political maneuvers on the domestic scene in recent years. Through a series of moves, it has managed to penetrate the veteran population, an area traditionally considered HDZ's voter base, in a way that the SDP has failed to achieve for two decades despite numerous attempts, writes Dragan Bagić in an analysis published in Večernji list.

At the end of last year, a group of veterans who are also members of Možemo appeared publicly for the first time. They began articulating messages and sentiments that differ significantly from what is usually heard from veteran associations and their activists. In October 2025, this group launched a campaign called "We Defended Freedom." Its central message was a response to the turbulent summer of that year, when various veteran organizations in several Croatian cities, from Benkovac to Šibenik, tried to prevent cultural events they disapproved of from taking place.

HDZ Under Attack from Both Sides

According to Večernji list's analysis, HDZ found itself in an unenviable position. After suffering a defeat on the right wing, where HOS has identitarily flooded the entire veteran community, it now faced a serious incursion from the left side of the political spectrum. Such a loss of influence on its own turf was something HDZ could not afford, as stated.

Sporting Success: Three Golds for the Young Barakude

Parallel to the political turmoil, excellent news comes from the world of sports. The Government of the Republic of Croatia announced via its Twitter profile that the young Croatian water polo national teams won three gold medals at international competitions this summer. After the U16 and U18 selections became world champions, Croatia also clinched the European champion title in the under-20 category.

"Third gold medal 🥇 for the young #Barakude at international competitions this summer❗️ After the world golds of the U16 and U18 water polo national teams, Croatia is also the European champion in the under-20 category. Heartfelt congratulations to our water polo players on their brilliant achievements and confirmation of the excellent future of 🇭🇷 water polo. 🤽♂️🏆," reads the Government's post.