Željko Kerum (born September 25, 1960) is a Croatian businessman and politician. He is best known for founding the Kerum retail chain and for serving as the Mayor of Split from 2009 to 2013.
Early Life and Business Career Born in Ogorje, near Muć, Croatia (then part of Yugoslavia), Kerum grew up in modest circumstances. He began his business career in the late 1980s, primarily in trade. In 1990, he established Kerum d.o.o., a company that grew into one of Croatia's largest supermarket chains, particularly dominant in the Dalmatia region. The company expanded to include hotels, restaurants, and other ventures. Kerum's business success made him one of the wealthiest individuals in Croatia.
Political Career Kerum entered politics in the late 2000s, running as an independent candidate for Mayor of Split in the 2009 local elections. His populist appeal and strong local identity resonated with voters, leading to his victory in the second round. As mayor, he was known for his unconventional style and direct approach. In 2009, he also founded his own political party, the Croatian Civic Party (HGS) (Croatian: Hrvatska građanska stranka). Under the banner of HGS, he was elected to the Croatian Parliament in the 2011 general election. He sought re-election as Mayor of Split in 2013 but was defeated by Ivo Baldasar. He continued to be an active political figure, often running for mayor or other local offices in subsequent elections, though with less success.
Controversies Throughout his public life, Kerum has been involved in several controversies. These include:
- Outspoken Statements: He is known for his outspoken nature and often made controversial public statements, particularly regarding political opponents and ethnic minorities.
- Business Practices: His business empire faced financial difficulties, particularly during the economic recession of the late 2000s and early 2010s, leading to the sale of parts of his company and significant debt restructuring.
- Personal Life: His public and often turbulent personal life, including his divorce and subsequent relationship, was frequently covered by the Croatian media.
Despite the controversies, Kerum maintained a loyal base of supporters, particularly in Split and the surrounding areas, who appreciated his perceived authenticity and anti-establishment stance.