Istarski demokratski sabor
Istrian Democratic Assembly
Liberal
Centre-Left
RE
European Parliament Group
1.3
Current Standing
Change of -0.9 since last election
±0.0
3-Month Trend
±0.0 in the last 3 months
Conservative
Social
Market-oriented
Progressive
Anti-EU
Pro-EU
The IDS (Istrian Democratic Assembly) is a regionalist, left-liberal party in Croatia, primarily dedicated to advocating for the autonomy of the Istrian peninsula. As a pro-European force, it champions a multicultural vision for society and underscores the region's unique historical identity.
Values and Worldview
Values and Worldview
The IDS is fundamentally rooted in 'Istrianism' – a robust regional consciousness built upon anti-fascism, secularism, and ethnic tolerance. The party envisions Istria as a crucial bridge connecting the Balkans and Central Europe. Its worldview is shaped by modern liberalism, safeguarding individual freedoms and advocating for a decentralized state structure. The IDS firmly rejects centralist nationalism, instead fostering a harmonious coexistence among diverse linguistic groups and identities.
Policy Priorities
Policy Priorities
The IDS agenda is sharply focused on maximizing Istria's administrative and financial autonomy. The party advocates for a significant portion of regionally generated taxes to remain local, thereby strengthening local infrastructure and boosting tourism. Its primary target groups include Istrian citizens, liberals, and minority communities. The IDS is a strong proponent of environmental protection, supports small and medium-sized enterprises, and champions the preservation of cultural distinctiveness, viewing the European integration process as a vital tool for reinforcing regional rights.
Role in the Political System
Role in the Political System
Within the Croatian party system, the IDS occupies the role of a stable regional power broker. Strategically, it typically acts as a reliable partner in liberal or center-left coalitions at the national level, aiming to influence decentralization policies. Despite its regional focus, the IDS is widely regarded as a guardian of the rule of law and European values. A persistent point of contention lies in its ongoing struggle with the central government in Zagreb, where it fiercely defends the principle of subsidiarity against state control.