Global Elections Update: Croatia

Overview

On December 29, 2024, Croatia held the first round of its presidential election, with incumbent president Zoran Milanović (independent) running for re-election against seven opposition candidates. As no candidate reached the majority in the first round, a runoff was scheduled on January 12, 2025 between the top candidates, President Milanović and the independent Dragan Primorac, backed by the center-right Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) party.

Results

The second round, held on January 12, 2025, resulted in a landslide victory for President Zoran Milanović, who received 75% of the vote. The election registered the highest preference for a presidential race in Croatia since independence in 1991 and the worst for the HDZ party, the country’s most potent political force.

President Zoran Milanović has been a vocal critic of the HDZ, the governing party in parliament, particularly on corruption, inflation, and healthcare issues. He is also an opponent of the European Union, NATO, and the Western military support for Ukraine. However, he remains highly popular, evidenced by his overwhelming victory in the elections. President Milanović is backed by the center-left Social Democratic Party (SDP), the most vigorous opposition to the HDZ party.

Outlook

On February 18, 2025, Zoran Milanović will be sworn in as president for the second and final five-year term, according to the Croatian Constitution. His first term was characterized by continuous confrontation with Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, the HDZ party’s leader, limiting several policy decisions. According to the Croatian constitution, presidential power is limited, requiring cooperation with the prime minister, the head of government.

Following his reelection, Milanovic stated that he would continue to exercise his powers to guide military and foreign policy decisions. Despite condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Milanovic has taken steps to limit Croatia’s support for Ukraine. The Croatian public’s overwhelming reelection of Milanovic has also sent a signal to Plenkovic and his party, who, despite winning reelection in April of last year, have faced public disapproval over a corruption scheme involving the former Minister of Health. The affair has weakened the HDZ’s position and necessitated that it attempt to work with Milanović to achieve its policy objectives.