Counterweight
Although the president’s powers are limited, he is seen by Croats as a guarantor of political balance. And the vote comes as this country of 3.8 million people struggles with the highest inflation rate in the euro zone, endemic corruption and a labor shortage. The former Yugoslav republic has been mainly governed by the HDZ since its independence in 1991. But Zoran Milanovic, a former left-wing prime minister, seized the presidency in 2020 with the support of the main opposition party, the Socialists. Democrats (SDP).
A key figure on the country’s political scene for nearly two decades, he has frequently used populist rhetoric, regularly questioning European or local officials. On Sunday, after voting, he again criticized Brussels, according to him “in many respects autocratic and unrepresentative”.
“Milanovic is a kind of political omnivore,” says political analyst Zarko Puhovski, saying the president is widely seen as the “only counterweight, at least symbolic, to Plenkovic’s government and power.” His style increased his popularity and helped attract support from right-wing voters.
Patriotism and family
His rival, Dragan Primorac, a former Minister of Education and Science returning to politics after 15 years of absence, campaigned as a unifier for Croatia, emphasizing patriotism and family values. “My message is always the same: Croatia always comes first for me,” the 59-year-old told reporters after voting in Zagreb.
For Djuro Knezicic, a 62-year-old voter and retiree, Dragan Primorac’s “good international relations” would have been a chance to obtain “much better international cooperation for Croatia”. But critics say his lack of charisma cost him the rallying of the HDZ base.
“Russian actor”
Zoran Milanovic has condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but has also criticized Western military support for kyiv, and is a noted opponent of a program that would have seen Croatian soldiers help train the Ukrainian troops in Germany. This earned him accusations of “pro-Russian puppetry” by the HDZ.
“The defense of democracy does not consist of telling all those who do not think like you that they are ‘Russian players’,” he responded to journalists on Sunday. For their part, young Croatians expressed their frustration at the lack of discussions between political leaders on issues that interest them, such as housing or the standard of living of students.
“We hear them (politicians) talking mainly about old and recycled topics. What is important for young people does not even cross their minds,” denounced Ivana Vuckovic, a 20-year-old student.
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