Milan Bandić (1955–2021) was a towering figure in Croatian politics, best known as the long-serving mayor of Zagreb, Croatia's vibrant capital. Born on November 22, 1955, in Beli Manastir, a small town in Slavonia, Bandić grew up in humble circumstances during Yugoslavia's socialist era. His early life was marked by resilience; after losing his father young, he worked odd jobs while pursuing education. He studied economics at the University of Zagreb, graduating in 1980, but his true passion lay in community activism and local governance.
Bandić's political career ignited in the turbulent post-Yugoslav 1990s. Joining the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 1990, he quickly rose through the ranks, leveraging his charisma and populist appeal. In 1995, he won a seat in the Croatian Parliament (Sabor), where he served as an SDP whip. However, his ambitions centered on Zagreb. In 2000, as an independent candidate backed by the SDP, Bandić narrowly defeated incumbent Mayor Marina Matulović-Dropulić, marking the start of his 20-year reign over the city.
As mayor, Bandić transformed Zagreb into a modern European hub, spearheading ambitious infrastructure projects. His tenure saw the city's tram network modernized, the reopening of the iconic Zagreb Airport terminal, and the construction of the Jarun Lake recreational area, boosting tourism and youth culture. The Advent in Zagreb festival, which he championed from 2010, became one of Europe's largest Christmas markets, drawing global acclaim. Bandić's "Zagreb for You" slogan embodied his hands-on style—personally inspecting sites and engaging citizens via town halls. He prioritized flood defenses after the 2013 Sava River deluge and invested in green spaces, earning Zagreb the nickname "Green Capital of Croatia."
Yet, Bandić's legacy is shadowed by controversy. His rule was marred by corruption allegations; in 2014, he was jailed for a month on graft charges related to city procurement, though he maintained innocence. Critics accused him of cronyism, patronage, and stifling opposition, leading to failed impeachment attempts. He switched parties multiple times, founding the independent Bandić Milan 365 – Labour and Solidarity Party in 2016 to consolidate power.
Bandić's personal life reflected his larger-than-life persona. Married to Vesna Bandić with two children, he was known for his love of good food, wine, and Zagreb's nightlife. Tragically, on February 28, 2021, at age 65, he suffered a fatal heart attack while driving in Zagreb, ending his era abruptly. His death prompted national mourning and debates on his impact: visionary reformer or authoritarian? Zagreb honored him with a state funeral, and his successors continue his urban vision. Bandić remains a polarizing icon—flawed, but undeniably the architect of modern Zagreb. (398 words)