• Zoran Milanovic has been re-elected as Croatia's president, securing over 74% of the vote in the runoff election.
• His opponent, Dragan Primorac, backed by the ruling HDZ party, received only 25% of the votes, marking a historic low for the party.
• The election results reflect widespread voter discontent with current economic conditions, including inflation and systemic corruption.
• Milanovic criticized both the EU and NATO, positioning himself as a challenger to the status quo.

Croatian voters have handed a decisive victory to President Zoran Milanovic, who has been re-elected for another term after winning approximately 74% of the votes in the recent presidential runoff against his rival, Dragan Primorac, who garnered just under 26% of the votes. This election marks a significant setback for the conservative Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) party, which has dominated Croatian politics since the country declared independence in 1991. The outcome is particularly disheartening for HDZ leaders, as it represents the worst-ever performance for the party in a presidential election, according to [BBC](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpwx5910ylyo).

Milanovic's victory is interpreted as a clear message from voters about their discontent with issues such as inflation, corruption, and healthcare, which have plagued the country recently. "I am asking them (the government) to hear it," Milanovic stated, emphasizing the need for the ruling party to recognize these concerns, as noted in coverage by [VOA News](https://www.voanews.com/a/croatia-s-president-milanovic-overwhelming-favorite-to-win-reelection-in-runoff-vote/7933801.html). His assertive communication style has drawn comparisons to U.S. political figures known for their combative approach.

Despite the presidency’s largely ceremonial nature within Croatia's political framework, Milanovic’s continued presence is likely to exacerbate tensions with Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, who has often been at odds with the president over various issues. Milanovic, a former prime minister himself, condemned the government's policies and described the political landscape as being overshadowed by systemic corruption. He also held a critical view of NATO’s military support for Ukraine while expressing skepticism towards the EU's democratic values, which he characterized as being compromised by unelected officials. He stated, "If you don't think the same as I do, then you're the enemy," showcasing his provocative stance on international relations, as reported by [Al Jazeera](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/12/incumbent-expected-to-win-as-croatians-vote-in-presidential-run-off).

Milanovic's political journey has evolved since he took over the presidency in 2020, and he remains a pivotal figure amid Croatia's ongoing challenges. Political analysts suggest his re-election will likely maintain the existing political friction, posing questions about cooperation with a governing party that has endured a resounding defeat at the polls. With Croatia facing multiple crises, the implications of this election ripple through the socio-political fabric of the nation as the population watches closely what this administration will entail.