On February 25, 1990, the first general assembly of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) took place, culminating in the election of Dr. Franjo Tuđman as the party's president. This historic event occurred just two months before Croatia's first democratic multiparty elections following 45 years of communist totalitarianism, highlighting a pivotal moment in the country's political landscape. A total of 1,760 delegates from Croatia and across the globe attended this foundational assembly, reflecting the strong interest and stakes involved in Croatia's emerging democracy.

The assembly was notable not only for its political significance but also for the dignitaries who attended as guests, including consuls from the United States, France, Italy, and the then-Soviet Union, as well as a representative from the Canadian embassy. The assembly attracted widespread attention, evidenced by the presence of 297 observers, 320 guests, and 54 representatives from various media outlets, showcasing the event's importance both domestically and internationally in the context of Croatia's evolving political scene.

However, the event was not without controversy, as state-controlled media outlets, including Television Zagreb, referred to it as a "Ustaša congress," leveraging historical references to evoke discord. This portrayal aimed to undermine the legitimacy of the HDZ and its symbols, including the historic Croatian flags that re-emerged publicly during this pivotal gathering. Overall, this moment marked a critical juncture in Croatia's history, leading towards independence and the eventual establishment of a new government structure.