Croatia's President Milanović overwhelming favorite to win reelection in runoff vote
- Zoran Milanovic won 49% of the vote in the first round of Croatia's presidential election on December 29, 2024.
- His main opponent, Dragan Primorac, received 19% of the votes, leading to a necessary runoff election.
- Exit polls indicate that Milanovic is on track for a victory, likely securing a second term in office.
In Croatia, on December 29, 2024, the first round of the presidential election occurred, where incumbent President Zoran Milanovic secured 49% of the votes, falling short of a majority by just 5,000 votes. His main opponent, Dragan Primorac, a candidate from the ruling conservative party, received 19% of the votes, prompting a runoff election. Many voters participated in this election, with approximately 3.8 million citizens casting their ballots. Zoran Milanovic, aged 58, is affiliated with the left-leaning Social Democratic Party and has a history of political engagement, previously serving as prime minister. Known for his combative political style, he has frequently criticized the current prime minister, Andrej Plenkovic, and the conservative Croatian Democratic Union party, accusing them of systemic corruption. In contrast, Plenkovic has urged voters to consider Croatia's future in the EU and NATO, labeling Milanovic as pro-Russian. In recent debates leading to the runoff, Milanovic and Primorac presented starkly different political visions. Milanovic has been vocal against Western military support for Ukraine, emphasizing a stance that some view as pro-Russian. He has faced criticism not only from political opponents but also from commentators who suggest that his presidency poses a risk to Croatia's international reputation. Primorac aims to position himself as a candidate who supports more traditional views on foreign policy. As the runoff election approached, the political atmosphere was charged, with both candidates engaging in personal exchanges that reflected deeper ideological rifts. Milanovic's popularity among his base contributed to his strong performance in the first round, and he had an overwhelming lead according to exit polls ahead of the decisive vote. The results of this election will influence Croatia's political landscape significantly, given the symbolic and practical importance of the presidency, despite its largely ceremonial role.