Mixed reactions in Croatia after the re-election of President Zoran Milanović

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Outgoing Croatian President Zoran Milanović was re-elected by an overwhelming majority Sunday, by winning 1.1 million votes, almost four times more than his opponent Dragan Primoracsupported by the ruling party, the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ).

But in the streets of Zagreb, the reactions of Croats paint a more mixed picture.

“I think we voted against the ruling party HDZ, rather than in favor of Milanović”says Jadranka Kuhar, a resident of Zagreb. “Anyway, it’s a good result, I’m happy with it. I think he’s crazy enough to oppose the Prime Minister and get something.”.

“Yes, I listened to his statement this morning when he said he would bury the hatchet with the government. If that’s the case, that would be great.”estimates Mato Sicek, also a resident of the Croatian capital. “But he may change his mind overnight and say something completely different tomorrow.”.

Deep disagreements between the president and the prime minister

Zoran Milanović was came close to winning the presidential election in the first round two weeks agowith 49% of the votes.

The Croatian president is sometimes compared to Donald Trump because of his combative communication style with his political opponents. He is fiercely opposed to conservative Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and his government.

Zoran Milanović regularly accuses the HDZ government of systemic corruption, while Andrej Plenković calls the president a threat to Croatia’s international position and “pro-Russian”.

Accusations that Zoran Milanović disputes, althoughhe still opposes Western military support for Ukraine and has accused the European Union of being undemocratic.

Despite limited powers, many Croats believe the position of president is essential to the balance of political power in a country primarily governed by the HDZ.