Zoran Milanovic,a vocal critic of NATO,is poised to secure a second term as Croatia’s president after a strong showing in the frist round of voting.
Croatians headed to the polls on Sunday, January 12, 2025, for a decisive presidential run-off election. Incumbent Zoran Milanovic, who narrowly missed an outright victory in the first round with 49.1% of the vote, is widely expected to triumph over his rival, Dragan Primorac.Primorac, backed by the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) party, secured 19.35% of the initial vote, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown.
Polling stations opened at 7:00 AM local time (06:00 GMT) and closed at 7:00 PM (18:00 GMT), with exit polls anticipated shortly after. The election has drawn significant attention, not only for it’s political implications but also for the stark contrast between the candidates’ ideologies and visions for Croatia’s future.
A Nation at a Crossroads
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milanovic, a former prime minister and current president, has been a polarizing figure in Croatian politics. Known for his sharp critiques of Western military aid to Ukraine, he has positioned himself as a voice of caution amid escalating global tensions. Despite condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Milanovic has been equally critical of NATO’s role in the conflict, a stance that has earned him both praise and criticism.
His opponent, Dragan Primorac, a former science and education minister, has framed Milanovic as “a pro-Russian puppet,” a label the incumbent vehemently denies. Milanovic has countered by accusing Primorac of associating with “mass murderers,” a reference to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin netanyahu’s associates and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
A clash of Ideologies
The election has highlighted deep divisions within Croatian society. Milanovic, supported by the left-leaning Social Democrats (SDP), has consistently clashed with Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and the HDZ, accusing them of systemic corruption. He has gone so far as to label Plenkovic a “serious threat to Croatia’s democracy.”
While the Croatian presidency is largely ceremonial,the role holds significant symbolic weight. The president serves as the supreme military commander and wields influence over the nation’s political balance. A victory for Milanovic would not only secure his position but also deal a blow to the HDZ, which has dominated Croatian politics since the country’s independence in 1991.
Economic and Political Challenges
The election comes at a critical juncture for croatia,a nation of 3.8 million people grappling with inflation, corruption scandals, and a labor shortage. As a member of the European Union and NATO, Croatia’s political direction has far-reaching implications, both domestically and internationally.
Milanovic’s presidency has been marked by his unapologetic style, often drawing comparisons to former U.S. President Donald Trump.His combative approach has resonated with many voters, especially those disillusioned with the status quo. Though, his critics argue that his rhetoric risks isolating Croatia on the global stage.
What’s at Stake?
For Milanovic, a second term would solidify his legacy as a leader unafraid to challenge established norms. For Primorac and the HDZ, the election represents an possibility to reclaim political dominance and steer Croatia in a new direction.
As the results pour in,one thing is clear: croatia’s presidential election is more than a contest between two candidates—it’s a referendum on the nation’s identity,values,and future.
What does Milanović’s strong showing in the first round of the election mean for Croatia’s political landscape?
Archyde Exclusive Interview: A Conversation with Dr. Luka Vuković,Political Analyst and Expert on Croatian Affairs
January 12,2025
Archyde: Thank you for joining us today,Dr. Vuković. as Croatia heads into the decisive second round of its presidential election, all eyes are on incumbent zoran Milanović and his rival, Dragan Primorac.Milanović, a vocal critic of NATO, narrowly missed an outright victory in the first round with 49.1% of the vote. What do you make of his strong showing, and what does this mean for Croatia’s political landscape?
Dr. Luka Vuković: thank you for having me. milanović’s performance in the first round is a clear indication of his enduring popularity, particularly among voters who resonate with his nationalist and anti-NATO stance. His ability too secure nearly half the vote in a crowded field speaks volumes about his appeal, especially in a country where NATO membership has been a contentious issue since Croatia joined in 2009. Milanović has positioned himself as a defender of Croatian sovereignty, and this message has clearly struck a chord with a significant portion of the electorate.
Archyde: Dragan Primorac, backed by the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), secured 19.35% of the vote in the first round. How do you assess his chances in the run-off, and what does his candidacy represent for Croatia’s future?
Dr. Vuković: Primorac’s candidacy represents continuity with the HDZ’s pro-European, pro-NATO agenda. While he has a strong base of support, particularly among more conservative and pro-Western voters, his challenge lies in broadening his appeal beyond the HDZ’s conventional electorate. The stark ideological divide between Milanović and Primorac has turned this election into a referendum on croatia’s geopolitical orientation. Primorac’s campaign has emphasized stability,economic growth,and closer ties with the EU and NATO,but he faces an uphill battle against Milanović’s populist rhetoric and nationalist appeal.
Archyde: Milanović has been a vocal critic of NATO, often questioning its relevance to Croatia’s security. How might a second term for Milanović impact Croatia’s relationship with NATO and the broader international community?
Dr. Vuković: A second term for Milanović could lead to significant shifts in Croatia’s foreign policy. While Croatia is unlikely to withdraw from NATO outright, Milanović’s skepticism could result in a more cautious and less active role within the alliance. This could strain relations with NATO allies, particularly the United States and other Western powers. Domestically, it could also deepen the divide between those who see NATO as a guarantor of security and those who view it as an infringement on national sovereignty.
Archyde: The election has drawn significant attention, not only for its political implications but also for the stark contrast between the candidates’ visions for Croatia’s future.What do you believe is at stake for Croatia in this election?
Dr. Vuković: This election is a pivotal moment for Croatia. At its core, it’s a choice between two fundamentally different visions for the country’s future. Milanović represents a more inward-looking, nationalist approach, while Primorac embodies a pro-European, outward-looking agenda. The outcome will shape Croatia’s trajectory for years to come, influencing everything from foreign policy and economic strategy to social cohesion and national identity.
Archyde: as we await the results of today’s run-off, what do you think will be the key factors determining the outcome?
Dr. Vuković: Voter turnout will be critical. Milanović’s strong showing in the first round suggests he has a solid base of support, but Primorac will need to mobilize undecided voters and those who supported smaller parties in the first round. Additionally, the role of young voters and urban centers could be decisive. If Primorac can make inroads in these demographics, he might potentially be able to close the gap. Ultimately, this election will come down to which candidate can better articulate a compelling vision for Croatia’s future.
Archyde: Thank you, Dr. Vuković, for your insightful analysis.We’ll be closely following the results as they come in.
Dr. Vuković: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure.
End of Interview
Stay tuned to Archyde for live updates and in-depth coverage of Croatia’s presidential election results.
