Media in Belgrade on Monday reported on the victory of the centre-left coalition, also known as the Kukuriku coalition, in Croatia's parliamentary election on Sunday, announcing that Social Democratic Party (SDP) leader Zoran Milanovic will be the new prime minister.
Media reports said that the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) of the incumbent Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor was going into opposition after "a convincing defeat" at the vote.
Milanovic was quoted as saying that Kukuriku would function transparently and only in the interest of citizens, and that it would develop partnership with Croatia's neighbours. He also said that it would focus on ensuring the right to decent work and was ready to cooperate with all parties aiming to contribute to Croatia's progress.
HDZ leader Jadranka Kosor conceded the defeat, however she stopped short of congratulating the winner, which the Serbian media said had shocked the public.
The Serbian media also described her speech after the release of the early results as nationalist rhetoric.
The media recalled that Serbian President Boris Tadic had sent a letter of congratulation to the Kukuriku coalition late last night, in which Tadic expressed a wish for the development of good neighbourly relations.
