Croatia's left-leaning president, known for his critical stance on Western military support for Ukraine, is vying for reelection in the upcoming presidential election. President Zoran Milanovic, a former prime minister, is facing stiff competition from seven other candidates, including Dragan Primorac of the ruling Croatian Democratic Union.
The election, scheduled for Sunday, is expected to result in a second round on Jan. 12 if no candidate secures more than 50% of the vote. Milanovic, often likened to Donald Trump for his confrontational style, has been a vocal critic of current Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, leading to a contentious political atmosphere in Croatia.
While the presidency in Croatia is largely ceremonial, the elected president wields political authority and serves as the supreme commander of the military. Milanovic's populist approach has garnered significant support, with his main rival, Primorac, emphasizing Croatia's alignment with the West over the East.
One of the key points of contention in the election has been Croatia's stance on global conflicts, particularly its relationship with NATO and the EU. Milanovic has opposed Croatia's involvement in certain international missions, advocating for neutrality in global disputes despite the country's NATO and EU membership.
Primorac, on the other hand, has positioned himself as a unifying figure, emphasizing the importance of Croatia's global positioning and advocating for a peaceful future. However, his campaign has been overshadowed by a corruption scandal involving a high-ranking official.
Another candidate, Marija Selak Raspudic, has focused her platform on addressing economic challenges, corruption, and population decline in Croatia. Trailing in the polls, Raspudic aims to highlight the issues facing ordinary citizens in the country.
The election marks Croatia's third major vote this year, following a snap parliamentary election in April and the European Parliament balloting in June. As the country prepares for the presidential election, the outcome is poised to shape Croatia's future trajectory and its position on the international stage.
