In a historic and overwhelming victory, Zoran Milanovic, the populist candidate for president of Croatia, has been re-elected by a significant margin over his conservative opponent, Dragan Primorac. With more than 90% of the votes counted, Mr. Milanovic secured an impressive 74% of the votes, while his rival, supported by the HDZ party, garnered just under 26%.
This election marks the highest score ever achieved by a presidential candidate since Croatia declared independence in 1991. Despite the mostly ceremonial nature of the presidential role in Croatia, Mr. Milanovic’s victory holds profound political significance, particularly in light of recent challenges faced by the ruling HDZ party and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, who has been Mr. Milanovic’s political adversary.
The President-elect’s supporters assembled at a gathering in Zagreb, where he extended his gratitude to the people of Croatia, stating, “Croatia, thank you!” He emphasized that his victory was a recognition of his work over the past five years and a message to those in power that their actions are being scrutinized by the electorate.
In the initial round of voting, Mr. Milanovic captured more than 49% of the votes, coming tantalizingly close to an outright win. The voter turnout for the runoff election was approximately 44%, slightly lower than the first round, reflecting ongoing challenges faced by the nation, including high inflation, corruption, and labor shortages.
The significance of the presidency in Croatia lies in its role as a check on centralized power, preventing any one party from dominating all branches of government. The HDZ has maintained a stronghold on governance since independence, prompting concerns among citizens like Mia, who view the current administration as increasingly authoritarian.
Supported by Croatia’s leading opposition party, the Social Democrats, Mr. Milanovic’s victory in 2020 marked a milestone for the left-wing politician, who has been a prominent figure in the country’s political landscape for over two decades. Renowned for his fiery rhetoric and populist stance, he has gained popularity across the political spectrum and is perceived as a vital counterbalance to government excesses.
Political analyst Zarko Puhovski characterizes Mr. Milanovic as a versatile and influential figure, symbolizing resistance to unchecked power. His candid style has resonated with a wide audience, drawing supporters from various ideological backgrounds.
In contrast, Mr. Primorac, a former education minister re-entering politics after a long hiatus, emphasized unity, family values, and patriotism in his campaign. Though some voters applauded his international ties, others derided him as lacking in charisma and failing to rally the base of the HDZ party effectively.
As the political landscape evolves, concerns over international relations and alignment have surfaced, particularly regarding Russia’s involvement in Ukraine. Mr. Milanovic has expressed disapproval of Russia’s actions while cautioning against militarization by Western nations in Ukraine. He has also criticized proposals to involve Croatian forces in training Ukrainian military personnel.
Voicing his commitment to democracy and civil discourse, Mr. Milanovic condemned divisive language, labeling opponents as “Russian players.” His stance resonated with many young people in Croatia who feel overlooked in political discussions, with their concerns about housing, education, and quality of life often sidelined by conventional debates.
As Croatia looks ahead to a new presidential term under Mr. Milanovic’s leadership, the country faces a pivotal moment in its democratic journey. With a fresh mandate and a broad mandate of support, the re-elected president stands at the forefront of ongoing efforts to uphold democratic values and promote the well-being of all citizens.
