Croatian President Zoran Milanovic made an unexpected announcement on Friday, declaring his candidacy for prime minister in the forthcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for April 17.

"I have decided to run as an independent and non-partisan candidate on the Social Democratic Party (SDP) list in the elections for the Croatian Parliament," Milanovic wrote on his Facebook page.

"After the election victory, which I am sure of, I will step down from my position as president of the Republic of Croatia, and, with the support of the new majority in the Croatian Parliament, take responsibility for leading the government," he said.

He said he will continue to perform his duties as president in line with his constitutional obligations and duties, before assuming a new position. His presidential term expires in February 2025.