Croatia’s President Zoran Milanovic wins election in first round: Exit polls

Croatia’s incumbent President Zoran Milanovic, supported by the opposition left-wing Social Democrats (SDP), won Sunday’s presidential election in the first round, according to an exit poll.

Milanovic secured 51.48% of the vote, while Dragan Primorac, backed by the ruling conservative HDZ party, finished second with 19.29%, according to the exit poll released by state-run HRT television after polling stations closed.

Milanovic, 58, has been a prominent political figure in Croatia for nearly two decades, serving as prime minister from 2011 to 2016. After stepping back from politics following a party defeat, he made a comeback and won the presidency in 2020.

He entered politics in 1999 by joining the left-wing SDP, formerly the communist party, and took over its helm in 2007.

Known for his sharp wit and sometimes bombastic rhetoric, Milanovic has made waves with his criticism of the European Union and Croatia’s current political leadership, particularly Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, whom he has called a “serious threat to democracy.” Milanovic’s campaign has centered on promoting tolerance and liberal values, though his combative nature has alienated some voters.