Banski Dvori, the seat of the Government, on St Mark’s Square in Zagreb; this historical building was the residence of the Croatian bans (governors) until 1920. Until the shelling in 1991, during the Homeland War, Banski Dvori was the seat of the President of the Republic.
The President of the Republic represents and acts for the Republic of Croatia at home and abroad. The President is elected pursuant to universal and equal suffrage by direct election for a period of five years.
The President of the Republic provides for the regular, balanced operation and stability of state authorities, is responsible for defending the state's independence and territorial integrity, is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, calls elections to the Croatian Parliament and convenes its first sitting, calls referenda, confides the mandate to form the Government, grants pardons, confers decorations and awards, and cooperates with the Government in forming and implementing foreign policy.
Presidents to the present day
The Government
The Government of the Republic of Croatia exercises executive power. It consists of the Prime Minister, one or more Deputy Prime Ministers and other ministers. It is responsible to the Croatian Parliament. The Prime Minister presents the Government to the Croatian Parliament and seeks a vote of confidence. If a majority of members of parliament return a vote of confidence, the Government assumes office.
Prime Ministers to the present day: Stjepan Mesić (1990), Josip Manolić (1990–91), Franjo Gregurić (1991–92), Hrvoje Šarinić (1992–93), Nikica Valentić (1993–95), Zlatko Mateša (1995–2000), Ivica Račan (2000–03), Ivo Sanader (2003–09), Jadranka Kosor (2009–11), Zoran Milanović (2011–16), Tihomir Orešković (2016). Andrej Plenković (since 2016).
The Government proposes laws and other acts to the Croatian Parliament, proposes the State Budget and annual accounts, executes laws and other decisions by the Parliament, adopts decrees to implement the law, conducts internal and foreign policy, directs and supervises the work of the state administration, takes care of the economic development of the country, and directs the performance and development of public services.
The Government of the Republic of Croatia consists of 16 ministries