Zoran Milanovic, representing the Social Democrats, is leading early results in Croatia’s presidential election, potentially securing a second term. With 50.1% of the votes counted, he is significantly ahead of Dragan Primorac from HDZ, who trails with 22.3%. The election is critical as Croatia faces economic challenges and political corruption.
Zoran Milanovic, the candidate from the opposition Social Democratic Party, is projected to secure a second term as President of Croatia according to preliminary results from the recent presidential election. As of Sunday, results from nearly 52 percent of polling stations indicated that Milanovic garnered 50.1 percent of the votes, significantly outpacing his main opponent, Dragan Primorac of the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), who received 22.3 percent.
An exit poll by Ipsos reinforced these preliminary findings, suggesting Milanovic, aged 58, is set for victory. Approximately 3.8 million citizens were eligible to participate from a pool of eight candidates. The role of the presidency in Croatia is predominantly ceremonial; however, a candidate must achieve at least 50 percent of the vote to avoid a run-off election. Failing this, a second round will take place on January 12, 2024.
During his term, set to conclude on February 18, 2024, Milanovic has often disagreed with Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic regarding both domestic and international policies. He has been particularly vocal in his critique of the European Union and NATO due to their positions on the Ukraine conflict. While he is unable to veto legislation, the president does have a role in foreign policy and matters of defense and security.
Despite employing populist discourse, Milanovic is regarded by many as a necessary counter to the HDZ-dominated government, which has seen multiple ministers resign over corruption allegations. The electoral backdrop includes challenges such as high inflation and a labor shortage within Croatia. Previously elected in 2020 on a platform advocating for tolerance and liberal principles, Milanovic has faced scrutiny for his stance on the Ukraine crisis, often defending his approach of avoiding entanglement in military conflicts. \n
He asserted, “As long as I am president, no Croatian soldier will fight in somebody else’s wars.”
The current political landscape in Croatia reflects a period of instability, underscored by rising inflation and a shortage of labor. Zoran Milanovic, a former prime minister, is navigating a challenging environment in which his presidency does not allow for legislative veto power but does involve considerable influence over foreign policy and security issues. He has positioned himself as a counterbalance to Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic’s ruling party, particularly in relation to governance plagued by allegations of corruption. Furthermore, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has added complexity to Milanovic’s leadership and interaction with both national and international stakes.
In summary, Zoran Milanovic is poised to win a second term as President of Croatia as demonstrated by early voting results. His continued leadership is indicative of voter sentiment amidst government corruption and economic challenges. The upcoming elections, contingent on the threshold of achieving majority support, reflect a pivotal moment in Croatia’s political trajectory, especially regarding its stance on international conflicts. As Milanovic strives to assert Croatia’s independence in foreign policy, his administration remains a point of contention within domestic politics.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
