Zoran Milanovic Leads in Early Results for Croatia’s Presidential Election
Zoran Milanovic is leading in the early results of Croatia’s presidential election, with 50.1 percent of the votes. Dragan Primorac follows with 22.3 percent. An exit poll supports Milanovic’s projected victory, but he must exceed 50 percent to avoid a runoff. His term has been contentious, marked by clashes with Prime Minister Plenkovic over policies regarding Ukraine and corruption in the ruling party.
According to preliminary results from Croatia’s presidential election, incumbent President Zoran Milanovic appears poised to win a second term in office. As reported by the State Electoral Commission, Milanovic, representing the opposition Social Democratic Party, secured 50.1 percent of the votes cast, significantly leading his main rival, Dragan Primorac of the ruling Croatian Democratic Union, who garnered 22.3 percent. An exit poll by Ipsos further corroborated these findings, indicating that Milanovic, aged 58, would emerge victorious in the first round.
Approximately 3.8 million eligible voters were able to choose from eight candidates in the election. Notably, the presidency in Croatia is largely ceremonial, requiring a candidate to achieve over 50 percent of the votes to avoid a run-off election scheduled for January 12 if no majority is reached. During his term, which concludes on February 18, Milanovic has been in contention with Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic over various policy issues, particularly in relation to European Union and NATO support for Ukraine.
During his presidency, Milanovic has positioned himself as a counterweight to the HDZ-led government, which has faced significant scrutiny due to corruption allegations that have led to the resignation of 30 ministers. This election occurs amid rising inflation and a labor shortage within Croatia. Initially elected in 2020, Milanovic campaigned on a platform advocating for tolerance and liberal values, although he has recently faced criticism for his stance on the conflict in Ukraine. Milanovic has criticized Western military engagement, prompting accusations from Plenkovic of being “pro-Russian.” In a recent statement, Milanovic affirmed that his priority is protecting Croatian soldiers from involvement in foreign conflicts, declaring, “As long as I am president, no Croatian soldier will fight in somebody else’s wars.”
The Croatian presidential election serves as a critical political event, reflecting the sentiments of the populace amidst various challenges, including high inflation and political corruption. The role of the presidency is largely ceremonial; however, it does hold influence over foreign affairs and security matters. Zoran Milanovic’s tenure has been marked by tension with the current government, and his electoral victory or potential run-off will impact Croatia’s domestic and international political landscape.
In conclusion, the preliminary results of the presidential election suggest that Zoran Milanovic is on track to secure his position for a second term, reflecting strong support from voters amidst contemporary political challenges. With a significant lead over his opponent and the possibility of a runoff looming, Milanovic’s stance on foreign policy will continue to attract attention as he navigates the complexities of governance in Croatia.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
