Croatian voters have re-elected incumbent President Zoran Milanović for a second term, delivering him a commanding victory in the nation’s presidential election. Milanović secured nearly 75% of the vote, underscoring his widespread popularity and marking a crushing defeat for his challenger, Dragan Primorac.
Primorac, backed by the ruling centre-right Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), managed to garner only 25% of the vote—a historic low for Croatia’s most dominant political party since the country gained independence over three decades ago. The HDZ, long seen as an unshakable political force, now faces renewed scrutiny following this electoral setback.
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, a leading figure in the HDZ, responded with notable restraint, refraining from congratulating Milanović on his victory. “Milanović offers nothing,” Plenković remarked dismissively, signaling deep political divisions at the highest levels of government. In contrast, Milanović extended an olive branch to the prime minister, stating he would “offer a hand” in hopes of fostering cooperation.
Despite the largely ceremonial nature of the Croatian presidency, Milanović has wielded significant influence as a vocal critic of the ruling government. His outspoken stance on issues such as corruption, rising inflation, and a strained healthcare system has resonated with voters frustrated by economic pressures and governance challenges.
Milanović has also maintained a complex foreign policy position. While he has openly condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he has frequently criticized the West’s military aid to Kyiv, highlighting what he perceives as a dangerous escalation in the conflict. This nuanced stance has sparked debate both domestically and internationally, reflecting Croatia’s delicate geopolitical balancing act.
Before ascending to the presidency in 2020, Milanović served as Croatia’s prime minister from 2011 to 2016 and led the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SDP) from 2007 to 2016. His political career has been marked by both assertive leadership and controversy. Notably, during last year’s parliamentary elections, Milanović controversially announced his intention to run for prime minister while still serving as president—a move later ruled unconstitutional by Croatia’s top court. In response, Milanović accused the judiciary of colluding with the HDZ, branding the ruling party a “gangster clique.”
The HDZ has dominated Croatian politics since the country declared independence in the early 1990s. However, this election result exposes cracks in its political armor, raising questions about its future leadership and strategy.
Milanović’s landslide victory not only reinforces his personal mandate but also signals growing public discontent with the HDZ-led government. As Croatia navigates economic challenges and regional geopolitical tensions, Milanović’s second term is poised to test the boundaries of presidential influence in a role traditionally viewed as symbolic.
Whether Milanović can transform electoral success into meaningful political impact remains to be seen, but his overwhelming re-election makes one thing clear: Croatian voters have delivered a resounding message demanding accountability, reform, and a more transparent government.
