Zoran Milanovic Secures Victory in Croatia's Presidential Election, Challenges the Status Quo
Croatia's outspoken President Zoran Milanovic won the election on December 29, securing more than 50% of the vote, according to exit polls released by state-run HRT television. Milanovic, with the backing of the left-wing Social Democrats, garnered 51.48% of the total votes, while Dragan Primorac, the candidate from the ruling conservative HDZ party, came in second with just 19.29%. This election comes as the European Union and NATO member country of 3.8 million people faces challenges of rising inflation, widespread corruption, and a concerning labor shortage.
Despite being considered a strong favorite, initial surveys indicated that no candidate would achieve the necessary majority to win outright, raising the fear of a runoff two weeks later. Should the official results confirm Milanovic's win, it would signal a significant setback for Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic's HDZ party, which only managed to secure approximately 8% of the vote.
As the president of Croatia, Milanovic commands the nation's armed forces and influences foreign policy decisions. While his powers are limited, many view the presidency as vital for maintaining a political balance in the country, which has been largely governed by the HDZ since gaining independence in 1991. Nenad Horvat, a 40-something salesman, expressed his concerns, stating, "All the eggs should not be in one basket," reflecting the sentiment of many that Milanovic serves as a crucial check against complete HDZ control.
Milanovic has long been one of Croatia's most prominent political figures, known for his sharp and articulate style. He won the presidency for the Social Democrats in 2020, vowing to promote tolerance and liberal values. However, his tenure has been marred by controversial statements and attacks against political adversaries and EU officials, often employing a populist rhetoric.
In stark contrast to his position on the Ukraine conflict—where he condemned Russia's aggression but critiqued Western military support—Milanovic stands firm on his assertion that Croatian soldiers should not fight in foreign wars. "As long as I'm president, no Croatian soldier will wage somebody else's wars," he declared, highlighting his stance on national defense.
Public responses to his leadership vary. Jure Tomicic, a 35-year-old IT expert, cautioned against Milanovic's flippant remarks, expressing the need for serious leadership during turbulent times. The election has also underscored the ongoing tension between Milanovic and Prime Minister Plenkovic, with Milanovic labeling the prime minister as a significant threat to Croatia's democratic integrity, describing himself as a "guarantee of the control of the octopus of corruption" linked to Plenkovic.
Political analyst Zarko Puhovski suggests that this election is more about the enduring conflict between Milanovic and Plenkovic than anything else, insisting that "all the rest are just incidental topics." On the other side, Primorac, a physician and scientist re-entering politics after 15 years, campaigned on themes of unity, family values, and patriotism, asserting that Croatia requires a leader committed to global positioning and a peaceful existence.
As the electoral commission reported a turnout of approximately 36% by mid-afternoon, down significantly from 39% in the previous presidential election in 2019, the stakes have never been higher. Primorac capitalized on this sentiment of national pride, continuously criticizing Milanovic as a figure who undermines Croatia's reputation.
The results of this election not only affirm Milanovic's strength as a candidate but also complicate the political landscape in Croatia, pointing towards a challenging tenure ahead as the country navigates internal divisions and external pressures.
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