Croatian President Milanovic Poised for Landslide Re-Election Victory
Croatian President Zoran Milanovic is likely to secure re-election with about 78% of the vote against Dragan Primorac. Milanovic’s victory reflects his popularity amid national challenges, including corruption and inflation. His criticism of Western military support for Ukraine and the EU positions him uniquely in the political landscape.
Croatian President Zoran Milanovic is poised for a decisive re-election victory in the presidential runoff held on Sunday, as exit polls indicate he has secured approximately 78% of the vote against his challenger, Dragan Primorac, who garnered around 22%. Milanovic, who previously led in the first round of voting held on December 29, 2023, emphasized the importance of this victory during his voting comments, expressing confidence in his worthiness of the presidency.
The runoff became necessary after Milanovic failed to achieve the requisite 50% support in the first round by a narrow margin of 5,000 votes. He has served as a fervent critic of both Western military support for Ukraine and the European Union’s governance style, which he described as non-democratic, asserting that it fosters a mentality of hostility toward dissent. Milanovic has claimed he aims to influence the EU’s trajectory, advocating for a more democratic Europe.
Despite the ceremonial nature of the Croatian presidency, it carries significant political weight, and many view Milanovic’s re-election as pivotal for maintaining a check on the long-dominant Croatian Democratic Union, led by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. Milanovic has accused Plenković’s government of systemic corruption, while Primorac, allied with the ruling party, articulated the importance of the election for the nation’s future in his remarks.
Milanovic’s political history includes a mixed tenure as Prime Minister, and he has recently adopted a more confrontational stance against political opponents. His prior decisions regarding NATO deployments have justifiably raised questions about his foreign policy stance, particularly concerning relations with Ukraine. Nevertheless, he has positioned himself as a defender of Croatian national interests, asserting his independence from broader geopolitical agendas.
The article describes the political landscape in Croatia ahead of President Zoran Milanovic’s expected re-election. It highlights challenges such as inflation, corruption, and labor shortages faced by Croatia, which has implications for national governance. The president’s critical stance toward both the EU and NATO influences local discourse, revealing a tension between global alliances and national sovereignty. Milanovic’s background as both a past Prime Minister and president offers context for his ongoing conflict with current Prime Minister Plenković and his conservative policies.
In summary, Zoran Milanovic’s anticipated re-election signifies not only a personal victory but also a continued resistance against the dominant conservative narrative in Croatian politics. His remarks about the EU and NATO reflect a distinct approach to national sovereignty and governance that resonates with segments of the electorate. This election outcome might reshape the political agenda in Croatia, challenging existing norms and possibly influencing future EU relations as well.
Original Source: www.france24.com
