By : Lloyd Mahachi
Voters in Croatia have re-elected Zoran Milanovic to a second term, after he won almost three-quarters of votes cast in the country’s presidential election. This landslide victory came as a significant blow to his opponent Dragan Primorac, who had the backing of the governing centre-right Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) party. The outcome was met with a mixture of emotions, with Milanovic’s supporters celebrating his victory and Primorac’s supporters expressing disappointment and frustration.
Primorac picked up 25 percent of the vote, which is the worst-ever result for Croatia’s most powerful political force. The outcome was met with a muted response from Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, who declined to congratulate the winner. Instead, he insisted that “Milanovic offers nothing”, a statement that highlights the tension between the two leaders. This response has been seen as a clear indication of the strained relationship between the prime minister and the president, which is likely to continue in the coming years.
In response to Plenkovic’s comments, Milanovic said he would “offer a hand” to the prime minister. This gesture is significant, given the largely ceremonial role that presidents play in Croatia. According to the constitution, presidents must not be a party-political figure, but rather act as the head of state for all citizens. Milanovic’s willingness to extend an olive branch to the prime minister suggests that he is committed to working towards the betterment of the country, despite their differences.
Milanovic has been a frequent critic of the governing party, particularly on issues such as corruption, inflation, and healthcare. He has also condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but has criticized the West’s military support for Kyiv. These stances have likely contributed to his popularity among voters, who see him as a strong leader who is willing to speak out against injustice. Milanovic’s commitment to addressing the challenges facing Croatia has resonated with many citizens, who are eager for change and progress.
Before becoming president, Milanovic served as prime minister of Croatia from 2011 to 2016. During this time, he led the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SDP) from 2007 to 2016. He briefly inserted himself into the country’s parliamentary elections last year, announcing that he would run for prime minister. However, a court ruled the move unconstitutional, leading Milanovic to accuse the judges of doing the bidding of the HDZ, which he referred to as “the gangster clique”. This incident highlighted the deep-seated tensions between Milanovic and the governing party, which have continued to simmer in the background.
The governing HDZ has been the dominant party in Croatia since the country gained independence more than 30 years ago. Despite this, Milanovic’s landslide victory suggests that voters are looking for change and are willing to support leaders who are willing to challenge the status quo. As Milanovic begins his second term, it will be interesting to see how he navigates the complex political landscape in Croatia and works to address the challenges facing the country. One thing is certain, however: Milanovic’s re-election marks a significant shift in the country’s political dynamics, and it will be fascinating to see how this plays out in the coming years.
As Milanovic prepares to embark on his second term, he will face a number of significant challenges. The country is still grappling with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the economy is struggling to recover. Additionally, Croatia is facing a number of pressing issues, including corruption, inflation, and healthcare. Milanovic has pledged to address these challenges head-on, and his re-election suggests that voters have faith in his ability to do so.
In the coming weeks and months, Milanovic will be working to assemble a team of advisors and experts who can help him tackle the challenges facing Croatia. He will also be engaging in diplomatic efforts, both at home and abroad, in order to build support for his agenda and promote the interests of the Croatian people. As he navigates the complexities of the presidency, Milanovic will be relying on his years of experience and his deep understanding of the country’s politics and culture.
Editor : Josephine Mahachi