Zoran Milanović, Croatia’s opposition-backed President and vocal critic of the European Union and NATO, has secured a decisive reelection victory for another five-year term. Official results revealed Milanović garnered over 74% of the vote in Sunday’s runoff, leaving his challenger, Dragan Primorac, with just 26%.
A Resounding Win in a Heated Election
The election, held amidst economic challenges such as inflation, corruption scandals, and labor shortages, saw Milanović defeat Primorac, a forensic scientist and former education minister. Milanović’s victory in the first round on December 29 had already established his dominance, but a runoff was required as he fell short of a majority by only 5,000 votes.
Milanović, 58, remains a polarizing yet popular figure, known for his confrontational style and critical stance against Croatia’s conservative Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. He has often accused Plenković’s government of corruption, while Plenković has labeled Milanović “pro-Russian,” a claim the president vehemently denies.
Critique of the EU and NATO
In his victory speech, Milanović framed his win as a mandate for change, stating, “This is not just support for me but a message about the state of affairs in the country.” He reiterated his disapproval of the EU, criticizing its governance as “non-democratic” and run by unelected officials. Milanović also pledged to oppose NATO missions involving Croatian troops in Ukraine, reinforcing his image as a staunch defender of national sovereignty.
A President with Limited but Crucial Powers
Although the Croatian presidency is largely ceremonial, it carries political authority and the role of supreme military commander. Milanović has used this position to block initiatives such as sending Croatian officers to NATO’s training mission for Ukraine, a move aligned with his criticism of Western military aid.
The Road Ahead
Milanović’s second term is expected to continue his confrontations with Plenković and his ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ). Political analysts suggest there will be little cooperation between the two leaders, mirroring the lack of collaboration during Milanović’s first term.
Despite the challenges, Milanović remains committed to leveraging his role to influence Croatia’s political landscape and international standing. His victory underscores his enduring popularity and the trust of a significant portion of the electorate, even as the nation navigates uncertain times.
