This paper aims to explore ideological conflicts related to the attempted implementation of the Complete Curricular Reform in Croatia. This analysis is used as a basis for the evaluation of the process of conservative modernisation, as theorised by Michael Apple. The paper is based on the case study methodology and qualitative content analysis. The analysed contents were articles from the three most widely read news sites in Croatia, websites of prominent actors and the document of the National Curriculum Framework. The paper argues that the representatives of all groups pushing for a conservative modernisation were part of the public debate, but they were not all equally represented, nor did they demonstrate all the characteristics identified by Apple. The most prominent groups in the debate were the mutually related groups of neo-conservatives and (religious) authoritarian populists, who are committed to preserving the Croatian identity and the Christian tradition in education. Although the analysis identifies many elements of conservative modernisation, these are still not sufficient to fully confirm its presence in Croatia. Specifically, what is missing is a greater influence of the neoliberal policy in education that would be included in market competition. However, it seems that Croatia is moving in that direction.