Key Takeaways:

• Zoran Milanović won reelection in Croatia's presidential runoff with over 74% of the votes.
• His main opponent, Dragan Primorac, garnered nearly 26%, prompting a political showdown.
• The election occurs amid domestic challenges including inflation, corruption, and labor shortages.
• Milanović criticized the EU as being non-democratic and pledged to address citizen concerns.

ZAGREB, Croatia — Croatia’s opposition-backed President Zoran Milanović has overwhelmingly won reelection, defeating ruling conservative party candidate Dragan Primorac in a runoff vote on Sunday. Official state election results indicate that Milanović secured more than 74% of the vote, signaling a substantial endorsement from the electorate, as Primorac trailed significantly with nearly 26%.

The runoff was necessitated after Milanović fell short of an outright victory in the initial voting round on December 29, where he received 49% of the vote but failed to surpass the threshold by a mere 5,000 votes, with Primorac at 19%.

This electoral outcome is particularly significant as Croatia, an EU and NATO member with a population of 3.8 million, faces challenges such as rising inflation, corruption allegations, and a labor shortage that could impact future governance. Milanović, 58, noted in his victory speech that this result serves as a critical message regarding the political climate in the country, urging the government to listen to the people's concerns, emphasizing “this is not just support for me” as reported by SCMP.

Milanović has positioned himself as an outspoken critic of Western military support for Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia, a stance that has drawn both support and criticism domestically. His tenure has also involved disputes with current Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, whom he frequently accuses of systemic corruption and inefficiency. In contrast, Plenković has branded Milanović as “pro-Russian,” questioning his commitment to Croatia's international alliances (see CNN).

Despite having a ceremonial role, the President of Croatia possesses political authority and acts as the supreme military commander, factors underscoring the importance of this election. Political analysts predict a continued confrontation between Milanović and Plenković throughout Milanović’s upcoming term, given the deep-rooted political rift that has characterized their interactions."

The president’s critical view of the EU includes labeling it as “in many ways non-democratic,” particularly in its dealings with member states. Milanović's assertion that the EU's stance of “if you don’t think the same as I do, then you’re the enemy” constitutes “mental violence” resonates with public sentiments about the need for reform in representation and governance in Europe.

As Croatia moves forward, the administration under President Milanović must navigate not only the intricacies of its domestic policies but also its position within the broader geopolitical framework of the EU and NATO. The relationship between Milanović and Plenković will undoubtedly shape the future political landscape as Croatia continues to tackle the pressing challenges ahead.

For more details, read the full coverage by AP News.