The upcoming elections for the president of the Zagreb Organization of Entrepreneurs and Craftsmen (ZPO) under the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) are set for March 14, where current president Mate Ćurić faces competition from Damir Miškulin, who is backed by the HDZ leadership. Ćurić has led the organization for the past four years, and Miškulin’s candidacy is publically endorsed by national HDZ leaders, indicating a strategic political move by the party. Miškulin, currently the director of the Zagreb branch of the state-owned Hrvatske šume, represents a push by the HDZ to replace Ćurić. This move reflects a growing trend within the party to promote candidates from state-owned enterprises, which could raise concerns about the autonomy of local organizations if they are perceived to be influenced by party politics. The open support from figures like Petar Šimić and Ivan Matijević further cements the party leadership's commitment to Miškulin’s candidacy. As the election draws near, the dynamics between established leaders like Ćurić and rising candidates like Miškulin will not only shape the future of the ZPO but also signal key shifts within the political framework of the HDZ. Such shifts raise questions about the influence of state companies in local politics and the implications for entrepreneurial independence in Zagreb’s business community.