The Government Structure of the Independent State of Croatia during WWII

During World War II, the Independent State of Croatia (NDH), known in Croatian as Nezavisna Drava Hrvatska, was a puppet state of both Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. This state existed from 1941 to 1945 and had a complex and somewhat confusing political structure. This article delves into the unique governmental setup of NDH, exploring its evolution from a monarchy to a parliamentary body.

Introduction to NDH

The NDH was a creation of Axis Powers, emerging after the invasion of Yugoslavia in 1941. It was initially led by Prince Aimone, Duke of Aosta, a member of the Italian House of Savoy. However, Aimone's role was minimal, and the government was heavily influenced by the Usta?e movement, a far-right Croatian nationalist and fascist organization.

The Monarchy and Usta?e Rule

Prince Aimone was initially reluctant to accept the crown, as it came with the annexation of Dalmatia, a Croat-majority region, which was part of Italy's irredentist agenda. The Usta?e movement, however, established itself as the dominant political force in NDH, turning the state into a one-party regime. The Usta?e's ideology was a blend of fascism, Roman Catholicism, and Croat nationalism.

Transition to Parliamentary Rule

After Italy's surrender in 1943, NDH transitioned to a parliamentary system. A key decree, the Legal Decree on the Croatian State Parliament, established the parliamentary structure. This decree, issued on January 24, 1942, outlined the process for appointing parliamentarians without resorting to democratic elections.

Formation and Composition of the Parliament

The NDH Parliament was convened with unprecedented political influence from the Usta?e. The parliamentarians were not elected; instead, they were appointed based on predetermined categories:

Living representatives from the Croatian Parliament of 1918Living representatives from the 1938 Yugoslavian electionsMembers of the Croatian Party of Rights prior to 1919Certain officials of the Supreme Usta?e HeadquartersTwo members of the German national assembly

The process of identifying these individuals was carried out by Nikola Vukeli, the head of the Supreme Court. He managed to find 204 eligible members for the parliament. However, according to the decree, those who had held positions in 1939 under Duan Simovi?'s government or in the Yugoslav government-in-exile were disqualified.

Ultimately, 204 individuals were deemed eligible for the parliament, and 141 attended the sessions. Notably, 93 members of the Croatian Peasant Party constituted a significant portion of the parliamentary body. However, the parliament's role was purely deliberative, and it lacked the authority to create legislation, acting merely as a rubber stamp for German directives.

Conclusion

The government structure of the NDH during WWII reflects the complex geopolitical landscape of the time, with a blend of monarchy, fascist ideology, and German and Italian influence. The parliament, despite its representation, played a diminished role due to the overarching control exercised by the Usta?e and Nazi Germany. Understanding the NDH's political dynamics provides insight into the multifaceted nature of war-time puppet states and the intricate international political maneuvers of the period.