Croatia's Presidential Election Highlights Divisive Campaign and Key Contenders

Incumbent Zoran Milanović leads polls in a crowded race marked by personal attacks and debates over Croatia's political future.

Croatians will head to the polls on Sunday to elect a president, with incumbent Zoran Milanović widely seen as the frontrunner but unlikely to secure an outright majority in the first round.
The left-leaning Milanović, known for his populist rhetoric and frequent clashes with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, has faced criticism for his controversial remarks and opposition to Western military support for Ukraine.
Dragan Primorac, a pediatrician and former minister backed by the ruling HDZ party, has positioned himself as a unifier but has been criticized for lacking charisma and being tied to allegations of corruption within his party.
Other notable candidates include Marija Selak Raspudić, a conservative independent advocating for stronger presidential powers, and Ivana Kekin, a left-green MP focused on healthcare reform and social activism.
The election, taking place against a backdrop of economic challenges such as inflation, corruption, and labor shortages, is expected to proceed to a January 12 runoff if no candidate secures over 50% of the votes.