ZAGREB, Croatia — Croatia’s President Zoran Milanović, supported by the opposition, has secured a second term after defeating the ruling conservative party candidate, Dragan Primorac, in a decisive runoff election held on Sunday. Milanović, a vocal critic of both the European Union and NATO, won more than 74% of the vote, a significant lead over Primorac, who garnered nearly 26%, according to the official results.
The election results mark a notable political shift, as Milanović has been outspoken against the current government’s stance on several issues, including Croatia’s involvement in international military support for Ukraine. Milanović’s victory signals a reaffirmation of his policies, as he has also criticized the handling of domestic issues like inflation, corruption scandals, and the country’s ongoing labor shortage.
In his victory speech, Milanović expressed that the result was not only a personal victory but a message to the Croatian government. He stressed that the voters’ decision was about the state of the country, calling on the government to take heed of the citizens’ sentiments. “This is not just support for me,” Milanović stated, adding that the election was a clear reflection of the people’s discontent with the current political landscape.
Milanović’s victory sets the stage for a continued political rivalry with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. Throughout Milanović’s presidency, the two leaders have engaged in frequent public disputes, with Milanović accusing Plenković and his government of corruption, while Plenković has called Milanović a threat to Croatia’s international relations. Despite these tensions, the presidency in Croatia, while largely ceremonial, holds substantial political influence, especially in maintaining the balance of power between political factions.
During the campaign, Milanović, 58, criticized the EU’s decision-making process, referring to it as “non-democratic,” and he expressed dissatisfaction with what he called the “mental violence” of a bloc that pressures its members into ideological conformity. Milanović has long argued for a more independent and nationalistic Croatia, especially regarding foreign policy matters.
Though Milanović’s political style is combative and direct, he remains the most popular politician in Croatia. His critics, however, have labeled him “pro-Russian,” especially in his refusal to approve sending Croatian soldiers as part of any NATO mission to Ukraine. While Milanović denies these claims, he has made clear his stance against deeper Croatian involvement in the war.
The election, in which Milanović comfortably won the first round on December 29, underscores the challenges facing Croatia’s political establishment. With a population of 3.8 million, Croatia continues to face economic difficulties that include high inflation and an ongoing struggle with corruption. Despite these challenges, Milanović’s second term promises to reshape Croatia’s political direction, especially in terms of foreign policy and its position within the European Union and NATO.
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