Conservative, center-right party and the nation's predominant, holding control of government singly or through coalition for 27 of 30 years since Croatia's independence in 1991 and 10 of 12 Prime Ministers. Party is recognized as the key player behind Croatia's independence through its founder and first president Franjo Tuđman. Party is credited with successfully transitioning the nation from Communism to Capitalism and democracy. Party has been led since July 17, 2016 by Croatia's 12th Prime Minister Andrej Plenković [Hrvatska demokratska zajednica (HDZ)].
