Franjo Tudjman

Franjo Tudjman Essay, Research Paper

Franjo Tudjman

Franjo Tudjman was born in Veliko Trgovisaee, a small village in Zagorje on May 14, 1922. His father was a prominent member of the Croatian Peasant Party. He had two brothers, one of which was murdered in 1943 for being a member of the antifascist movement. While attending elementary school in his home town, his mother passed away. He attended high school from 1934-1941 in Zagreb, which is now the capital. While attending high school, he supported himself by tutoring others. He also participated in the national democratic movement, which he was taken into custody for in 1940. In 1946, Franjo’s father was liquidated because of his criticism on the new Yugo-communist government (Dr. Franjo Tudjman… 1). In the early half of the 50’s, he started his academic work. He published more than 150 essays and articles on topics ranging from history to military theory. In 1957, he completed his schooling in the Higher Military Academy. Then in 1960, he was promoted to general, but he decided to leave the military to devote himself to academics and written work. In 1961, he founded the Institute of the History of the Worker’s Movement (Dr. Franjo Tudjman… 2). Then in 1990, he became the first elected president by the Sabor, which consists of the House of Representatives and the House of Counties. Since then he has been reelected twice (Clements 110-111).

Croatia became independent on Jun 25, 1991, after breaking off from Yugoslavia. The president is elected by popular vote and serves five years per term. A president can serve no more than two terms. The president has the power to appoint and remove people from the government and can call elections for both of the legislative chambers. The president is also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. Croatia’s government is divided into three branches; the judicial, executive, and legislative. The Croatian’s have 68 seats in the House of Counties and 127 seats in the House of Representatives. Most of these seats are occupied by democratic parties.