In a historic and resounding victory, the populist president of Croatia, Zoran Milanovic, has been re-elected for a second term. The results were announced by the government after more than 90% of the ballots were counted, with Mr. Milanovic receiving over 74% of the votes. His conservative opponent, Dragan Primorac, who was supported by the HDZ party, received almost 26% of the votes. This landslide victory marks the highest score obtained by a presidential contender since Croatia gained independence in 1991.
Although the position of the president in Croatia is largely ceremonial, Mr. Milanovic’s victory carries significant symbolism as a blow to the ruling HDZ party and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, who is his political adversary. The victory comes on the heels of a high-profile corruption scandal that rocked Croatian politics in November.
Addressing his supporters at an art and music club in Zagreb, Mr. Milanovic expressed his gratitude to the people of Croatia, saying, “Croatia, thank you!” He interpreted his victory as a recognition of his work over the past five years and a message from the Croatian people to those in power.
In the first round of the election held two weeks prior, Mr. Milanovic, who was supported by the left-wing opposition, garnered over 49% of the vote, almost securing a win. The voter turnout in the final round was about 44%, slightly lower than in the first round. The election took place against the backdrop of economic challenges facing Croatia, which include high inflation rates, widespread corruption, and a shortage of available workers.
As Mr. Milanovic steps into his second term as president, some view his presidency as a counterbalance to the ruling HDZ party’s dominance in Croatian politics. Many believe that the presidency plays a crucial role in maintaining political equilibrium and preventing any party from consolidating unchecked power.
The support for Mr. Milanovic from the Social Democrats (SDP), the main opposition party, underscores the growing discontent with the ruling HDZ party and the desire for change among the Croatian electorate. Mr. Milanovic’s vocal criticism of the EU and local governments, along with his populist rhetoric, has helped build his popularity among voters on both the left and the right.
Political experts view Mr. Milanovic as a political omnivore who provides a symbolic counterbalance to the government and the prime minister’s power. Despite his polarizing rhetoric, Mr. Milanovic has managed to mobilize support across the political spectrum and challenge the entrenched power of the ruling party.
On the other side of the political spectrum, Dragan Primorac, the conservative candidate backed by the HDZ party, positioned himself as a unifying figure emphasizing family values and patriotism. However, his lack of political experience and charisma failed to rally the HDZ base behind him. Critics branded him as pro-Russian and accused him of damaging Croatia’s international reputation.
In his victory speech, Mr. Milanovic emphasized the importance of democracy and free speech, rejecting any attempts to label political opponents as foreign agents. He called for an open dialogue and discourse, denouncing totalitarian tactics of shutting down dissenting voices.
While Mr. Milanovic’s victory signals a shift in Croatian politics, challenges remain. Young people in Croatia feel that their concerns, such as housing affordability and student welfare, are overlooked by politicians. The need for meaningful engagement and attention to issues affecting the youth is increasingly being recognized as essential for the future of the country.
In conclusion, Zoran Milanovic’s re-election as president of Croatia marks a significant moment in the country’s political landscape. His overwhelming victory reflects the changing tide of public sentiment and the growing demand for accountability and change in Croatian politics. As he embarks on his second term, Mr. Milanovic faces the challenge of uniting a divided society and addressing the pressing issues that have long been neglected. Only time will tell if he can deliver on the promises of a better future for all Croatians.
