Croatian authorities are said to be leaning toward Ante Zigman to take over leadership of the country's central bank, according to reporting that cites an individual familiar with the government's deliberations. Zigman has led the national market regulator since 2018.
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the discussions are private, identified Zigman as the current frontrunner for the post. The shortlist of possible successors also includes two officials who are already serving in senior roles at the central bank - Sandra Svaljek and Michael Faulend.
Under the expected timeline, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic's political party will put forward a nominee this week. That nominee would not assume the role immediately; parliamentary approval is required before any appointment can be finalized.
Beyond domestic responsibilities, the person chosen to lead the Croatian National Bank will take on a seat in the European Central Bank's decision-making framework, participating in interest-rate deliberations as one of the ECB's national governors. The vacancy at the Croatian central bank is arising because the current governor, Boris Vujcic, is set to leave the post to become vice president of the ECB on June 1.
The discussions over the next governor remain confined to internal government deliberations, and the identity of the eventual nominee will depend on the formal selection and parliamentary confirmation processes. At this stage the available information notes only the candidates under consideration and the procedural steps expected in the near term.
Context and next steps
The selection will be formally initiated when the ruling party submits a name for parliamentary consideration. Lawmakers will then review and vote on the nomination. Once confirmed, the new governor will assume both national monetary responsibilities and the role at the ECB's rate-setting table.
Details about any final decision, including an official nomination or parliamentary outcome, have not been disclosed publicly beyond the names reported as being under consideration.