Croatia’s President Zoran Milanovic Clinches Landslide Victory in Runoff Election
Incumbent President Zoran Milanovic emerged victorious in Croatia’s runoff elections on Sunday, securing over 74.68% of the vote, as reported by the public broadcaster HRT, citing the State Election Commission.
Milanovic, backed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its allies, triumphed over his rival, Dragan Primorac, the candidate from the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), who garnered 25.32% of the vote.
In his victory speech, Milanovic expressed that the result affirmed the recognition of his efforts thus far and served as a strong message to the government regarding the necessity for responsible governance.
“The government is primarily responsible for the situation in the country, and I ask it to understand this message, as the citizens have spoken tonight,” he stated.
Milanovic had received more than 49% of the vote in the first round, where eight candidates competed, with Primorac trailing at 19.3%.
Polls leading up to the election had predicted that Milanovic would secure around 60% of the vote, paving the way for his clear win. Known for his opposition to NATO’s involvement in the war in Ukraine, Milanovic previously blocked Croatia’s participation in a NATO-led training mission in Wiesbaden, Germany.
The presidency in Croatia is a five-year term, with a limit of two terms.
