Croatia’s populist incumbent president, Zoran Milanović, who has been dubbed “Croatia’s Trump” for his combative style and nationalist rhetoric, came out on top in Sunday’s first round of the presidential election. However, with 49.1 percent of the vote, he fell just short of the outright majority needed to avoid a runoff.
The next phase of the contest will pit Milanović against runner-up Dragan Primorac, the candidate of the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), who secured 19.4 percent of the vote. The runoff is scheduled for January 12.
A Thorn in the Government’s Side
Milanović’s reelection would extend a bitter rivalry with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, whose pro-EU leadership has clashed with Milanović’s brash criticism of NATO, Brussels, and immigration policies.
In a victory speech in Zagreb, Milanović promised to champion Croatia’s sovereignty:
“We will fight for a Croatia that takes care of its own interests. Only we can protect what matters here.”
Meanwhile, Plenković framed the upcoming runoff as a battle for Croatia’s future in Europe, denouncing Milanović as a destabilizing figure.
“Milanović is a cancer of Croatian politics,” Plenković said earlier in the campaign, claiming the president’s policies risk pulling Croatia closer to Russia.
Scandals and Corruption Cast Shadows
Milanović capitalized on widespread disillusionment with Plenković’s government, which has been marred by over 30 resignations and dismissals of ministers linked to corruption scandals. The latest blow came in November, when Health Minister Vili Beroš was arrested amid an EU-led investigation.
The scandals have haunted Primorac’s campaign, with voters questioning his ties to Plenković’s troubled party.
“I hear doubts from patients who are worried about him being part of the same political machine,” said Jasna Karacic Zanetti, an ombudsman for patient rights in Croatia.
Two Visions for Croatia
The January runoff presents a stark choice for voters:
- Milanović champions a nationalist agenda, portraying himself as a defender of Croatian independence and an opponent of EU overreach. His fiery rhetoric and criticism of immigration have struck a chord with disillusioned voters.
- Primorac, by contrast, emphasizes Croatia’s European integration and positions himself as a stabilizing figure for the country. However, his reserved style and ties to the embattled HDZ may hinder his appeal.
What’s Next?
The runoff promises to be a high-stakes contest, with implications for Croatia’s political alignment and its relationship with the EU. While Milanović remains the favorite, Primorac and Plenković’s camp will likely intensify attacks on the incumbent’s polarizing presidency in the coming weeks.
As Croatia faces its third election in less than a year, the January vote will test whether populism or pro-European pragmatism will define the country’s future.