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Zeljka AntunovicCroatian centre-left politician
Date of Birth: 15.09.1995
Country:  Croatia |
Content:
Political Journey
In 1990, Željko Antunović joined the Social Democrats of Croatia (SDH), a left-wing party that emerged in the aftermath of democratization in Yugoslavia. When SDH merged with the Social Democratic Party of Croatia (SDP) in 1994, Antunović ascended within the party's ranks.
Parliamentary Career
Antunović served as a member of the Zagreb Assembly from 1993-1995 and 1997-1998. She was also elected to the Croatian Parliament on four occasions: 1995, 2000, 2003, and 2008.
Government Positions
In 2000, Antunović was elected Deputy Chairman of SDP. From 2000-2003, she held the position of Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Human Rights, chairing the government commission on human rights and gender equality. She also served as Minister of Defense from 2002-2003.
Party Leadership
In 2007, following the resignation of Ivica Račan due to health reasons, Antunović assumed the party chairmanship. She ran for party leadership at the June 2007 party congress but lost to Zoran Milanović. She resigned as Deputy Chairman in March 2008, citing concerns over Milanović's leadership style and the party's approach to potential coalition partners.
Post-Political Career
Following her departure from politics, Antunović pursued a career in academia and research, focusing on public administration and social policy. She has continued to be involved in public discourse on social justice and equality.
