Croatia’s incumbent President Zoran Milanovic re-elected in landslide victory

Croatia’s President Zoran Milanovic has been re-elected in a landslide, defeating his conservative rival in Sunday’s run-off, official results showed.

Milanovic secured more than 74% of the vote, while Dragan Primorac, backed by the center-right HDZ party that governs Croatia, received nearly 26%, with over 90% of votes counted.

Although the president’s role is largely ceremonial in Croatia, Milanovic’s decisive victory marks the latest setback for the HDZ and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, Milanovic’s political arch-rival. The HDZ was already weakened by a high-profile corruption scandal in November.

Zoran Milanovic, known for his outspoken demeanor, is supported by the left-wing opposition. He garnered more than 49%of the vote in the first round two weeks ago, narrowly missing an outright win.

Turnout on Sunday was around 44%, slightly lower than in the first round, according to the electoral commission.

The election was held as the European Union member, home to 3.8 million people, faces high inflation, endemic corruption, and a labor shortage.

‘Counterbalance’ to ruling HDZ

Despite the presidency’s limited powers, many Croatians see the office as a crucial counterbalance, preventing any one party from monopolizing power.

The former Yugoslav republic has largely been governed by the HDZ since declaring independence in 1991.

“The party has too much control, and Plenkovic is turning into an autocrat,” said Mia, a 35-year-old administrator from Zagreb, explaining her support for Milanovic.

Zoran Milanovic, a former left-wing prime minister, first won the presidency in 2020 with the backing of the opposition Social Democrats (SDP).

A key figure in Croatian politics for nearly two decades, Milanovic has increasingly adopted populist rhetoric, often criticizing EU and local officials.

“Milanovic is seen as a political omnivore,” political analyst Zarko Puhovski said, adding that many view him as the “only, at least symbolic, counterbalance to the government and Plenkovic’s power.”

His no-holds-barred style has boosted his popularity, attracting support from right-wing voters.

After casting his vote in Zagreb on Sunday, Milanovic expressed confidence in victory and criticized Brussels, calling the EU “autocratic and non-representative,” run by unelected officials.

The 58-year-old frequently targets the HDZ for its persistent corruption issues and refers to Plenkovic as “Brussels’ clerk.”

Primorac’s campaign and defeat

Primorac, a former education and science minister, returned to politics after a 15-year hiatus, campaigning as a unifying figure for Croatia. The 59-year-old emphasized patriotism and family values.

“With my program, I wanted to send a clear message that Croatia can and deserves better,” he told supporters on Sunday evening as the official results confirmed his defeat. “Croatia has been and will always remain my number one priority.”

However, critics argued Primorac lacked political charisma and failed to rally the HDZ base.

Milanovic as ‘Russian player’

Primorac accused Milanovic of being a “pro-Russian puppet” who undermined Croatia’s credibility within NATO and the European Union.

While Milanovic condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he has also criticized Western military support for Kyiv and opposed a plan to have Croatian soldiers help train Ukrainian troops in Germany.

“The defense of democracy isn’t labeling everyone who disagrees with you a ‘Russian player’,” Milanovic said Sunday, calling such rhetoric “totalitarian.”

Meanwhile, many young Croatians expressed frustration over the lack of political discussion on issues relevant to them, such as housing and the cost of living for students.

“We mostly hear politicians talking about old, recycled issues. What matters to young people doesn’t even cross their minds,” said 20-year-old student Ivana Vuckovic.