Croatia's President Zoran Milanovic is set to face off against conservative candidate Dragan Primorac in a runoff election scheduled for January 12, 2024, after Milanovic secured approximately 49.1% of the first-round vote, narrowly missing the needed 50% for outright victory. Primorac, aligned with the ruling HDZ party, garnered around 19.35% of the votes, reflecting a significant gap between the two candidates.

The official results, issued by the state electoral commission, confirmed that the runoff would proceed as anticipated, with pre-election polls indicating competition between Milanovic and Primorac. Following the results, President Milanovic expressed his commitment to "fight for Croatia with a clear stance" and indicated that the election was just a "first run" in a longer political battle, emphasizing the need for continued effort by his supporters.

The political landscape in Croatia remains tense, particularly with the backdrop of ongoing challenges such as inflation, corruption, and a labor shortage. Milanovic's strong showing has raised concerns within Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic's government, which has maintained a firm grip on power since Croatia's independence in 1991.

Milanovic has been known for his sharp rhetoric and criticisms against both political opponents and EU leaders. His critiques include vigilant opposition to NATO’s military support in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, aligning him more closely with skepticism toward Western policies, which prompted Plenkovic to label him as "pro-Russian" and a threat to the country's standing within NATO and the EU.

Conversely, Primorac has campaigned on the promise of unity and traditional values, framing Milanovic’s leadership as divisive. He expressed optimism about having a one-on-one contest with Milanovic in the upcoming runoff, claiming it allows for a clearer comparison of their political agendas. Despite the significant difference in first-round votes, Primorac assures supporters that the playing field is now level.

As the election draws closer, both candidates will intensify their campaigns. With the presidency offering influence over foreign policy and military command in Croatia, the stakes are high. The outcome on January 12 will significantly impact Croatia's direction and its relationship with international powers amidst ongoing domestic challenges.

For more on this developing story, refer to the original articles from Le Monde and Voice of America.