ZAGREB, Croatia
AP
—
Zoran Milanović,Croatia’s opposition-backed president and a vocal critic of the European Union and NATO,secured a decisive victory in Sunday’s runoff election,earning a second five-year term. Official results revealed a landslide win over his opponent, Dragan Primorac, who represented the ruling conservative party.
With over 74% of the vote, Milanović’s triumph was undeniable. Primorac, his challenger, garnered just under 26%, according to Croatia’s state election authorities, who confirmed the results after counting more than 99% of the ballots.
Milanović’s reelection marks a significant political moment, particularly given his outspoken stance against Western military aid to Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. He has also been a staunch adversary of Croatia’s conservative Prime Minister, Andrej Plenković, and his management.
Addressing supporters after the results were announced, Milanović framed his victory as more than just personal success. “This is a message about the state of affairs in the country for those who need to hear it,” he declared, emphasizing the broader implications of the election outcome.
“I am asking them (the government) to hear it,” Milanović added. “That is what the citizens wanted to say. This is not just support for me.”
The election results underscore a growing divide within Croatia’s political landscape, with Milanović’s victory reflecting widespread public sentiment against the current government’s policies. His reelection is expected to intensify debates over Croatia’s role in international alliances and its domestic priorities.
As Milanović prepares for his second term, the focus will likely shift to how his leadership will navigate these challenges. His critics and supporters alike will be watching closely to see whether his rhetoric translates into tangible changes for Croatia’s future.
Milanović Secures Victory in Croatian presidential Election Amid Economic Challenges
Zoran Milanović, Croatia’s incumbent president, has emerged victorious in the country’s presidential election, solidifying his position as one of the nation’s moast influential political figures. The 58-year-old leader, often likened to former U.S. President Donald Trump for his outspoken and confrontational style, won decisively in the first round of voting on December 29, 2023, leaving his closest competitor, forensic scientist Miroslav Škoro, and six other candidates trailing far behind.
Despite his strong performance, Milanović narrowly missed securing an outright majority, falling short by just 5,000 votes. This necessitated a runoff between the top two candidates, with Škoro garnering only 19% of the vote. The election took place against a backdrop of significant economic challenges, including rising inflation, widespread corruption scandals, and a persistent labour shortage in the country of 3.8 million people.
Milanović’s victory sets the stage for continued political tension with Prime minister Andrej Plenković,with whom he has frequently clashed during his first term. Their ongoing rivalry is expected to shape Croatia’s political landscape in the coming years.
During the campaign, Milanović did not shy away from criticizing the European Union, describing it as “in many ways non-democratic” and dominated by unelected officials. He accused the EU of fostering a divisive mindset, stating, ”If you don’t think the same as I do, then you’re the enemy,” which he labeled as “mental violence.”
“That’s not the modern Europe I want to live and work in,” Milanović declared. “I will work on changing it, as much as I can as the president of a small nation.” His remarks reflect his commitment to advocating for reforms within the EU while navigating Croatia’s complex domestic and international challenges.
As Milanović begins his second term, his leadership will be closely watched, both at home and abroad.His ability to address croatia’s economic woes while maintaining his assertive stance on the European stage will determine his legacy in the years to come.
Zoran Milanović, a prominent political figure in Croatia, has been a vocal critic of the current Prime Minister, Andrej Plenković, and his conservative Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) party. Milanović, who previously served as prime minister, has accused the HDZ of widespread corruption, claiming that the party has entrenched systemic issues that undermine the country’s governance. His tenure as prime minister was marked by both achievements and controversies, leaving a mixed legacy that continues to shape his political narrative.
Milanović’s political career has been defined by his confrontational style and his ability to rally support among those disillusioned with the HDZ. His critiques often focus on what he describes as a culture of cronyism and lack of clarity within the ruling party. Despite his criticisms, Milanović’s own leadership has faced scrutiny, with some pointing to inconsistencies and challenges during his time in office. As Croatia navigates its political landscape, the dynamic between Milanović and Plenković remains a central theme, reflecting broader debates about governance, accountability, and the future of the nation.
croatian President Zoran Milanović has found himself at the center of a heated political debate,with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković accusing him of being “pro-russian” and undermining Croatia’s international reputation. The tension between the two leaders has been a defining feature of Croatian politics in recent years, with their disagreements frequently enough spilling into public view.
Political analyst Višeslav Raos weighed in on the situation, suggesting that Milanović’s outspoken nature is unlikely to change. “If there was no cooperation with the prime minister for the first five years (of his presidency), why would there be now?” Raos remarked, highlighting the deep-rooted discord between the two figures.
While the Croatian presidency is largely seen as a ceremonial role, it carries significant political weight. The president serves as the supreme military commander and holds authority over key national decisions. This duality has made the position a focal point in the country’s political landscape.
Milanović has repeatedly denied allegations of being pro-Russian.However, his actions have sparked controversy. Last year, he blocked the deployment of five Croatian officers to a NATO mission in Germany aimed at providing security assistance and training for Ukraine. he also vowed never to approve sending Croatian troops to Ukraine as part of any NATO mission. plenković’s government, however, has dismissed the notion that such a proposal even exists.
The presidency’s role in Croatia’s political balance cannot be understated.Since the country gained independence from yugoslavia in 1991, the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) has dominated governance. The president’s position, though limited in direct power, is seen as a crucial counterbalance to the HDZ’s influence.
Another notable figure in Croatian politics is Primorac, a 59-year-old academic and former science and education minister under the HDZ-led government. After an unsuccessful presidential bid in 2009, Primorac shifted his focus to academia, lecturing at universities in the United States, China, and Croatia. His career reflects the intersection of politics and education in shaping Croatia’s future.
How has Milanović’s confrontational style and polarizing rhetoric both helped and hindered his ability to achieve domestic reform goals?
Notably regarding his handling of domestic issues and his sometimes polarizing rhetoric. His tenure as prime minister saw notable reforms, but also controversies, including allegations of mismanagement and political infighting.
Milanović’s recent criticisms of the European Union highlight his broader concerns about the direction of European politics.By labeling the EU as “non-democratic” and dominated by unelected officials, he taps into a growing sentiment among some Europeans who feel disconnected from the decision-making processes in Brussels.his assertion that the EU fosters a divisive mindset, where differing opinions are seen as adversarial, reflects a broader critique of the political culture within the bloc. Milanović’s characterization of this as “mental violence” underscores his belief that such an environment stifles genuine dialog and cooperation.
As Milanović begins his second term as Croatia’s president, his leadership will be closely scrutinized, both domestically and internationally. his ability to navigate croatia’s economic challenges while maintaining his assertive stance on the European stage will be crucial in shaping his legacy. Domestically, his ongoing feud with the HDZ and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković will likely continue to dominate the political landscape. Milanović’s accusations of corruption within the HDZ resonate with many Croatians who are frustrated with the perceived lack of clarity and accountability in their government.
Internationally, Milanović’s criticisms of the EU could position him as a voice for reform within the bloc, particularly among smaller member states that often feel overshadowed by larger, more influential countries. His commitment to advocating for change within the EU, despite Croatia’s relatively small size, demonstrates his willingness to challenge the status quo and push for a more inclusive and democratic Europe.
However, Milanović’s confrontational style and polarizing rhetoric may also alienate potential allies, both at home and abroad. His ability to build coalitions and foster collaboration will be essential if he hopes to achieve meaningful reforms. As he embarks on his second term,Milanović faces the dual challenge of addressing Croatia’s pressing domestic issues while also advocating for change on the European stage.His success in these endeavors will ultimately determine his place in Croatia’s political history and his impact on the future of the European Union.
