Zoran Milanović Wins Croatian Presidential Runoff in Historic Landslide

Milanović secures a second term with 74% of the vote, defeating HDZ-backed Dragan Primorac and delivering a major blow to the ruling party.

Zoran Milanović, supported by the opposition Social Democratic Party, achieved the highest presidential election margin in Croatia's history with 74% of the vote in the runoff.
His opponent, Dragan Primorac, endorsed by the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), garnered only 26%, marking a significant defeat for the conservative party following a major corruption scandal in November.
Milanović's presidency is largely symbolic but includes roles such as military commander and a counterbalance to the HDZ-led government, which has dominated Croatian politics since 1991.
Known for his populist rhetoric, Milanović has criticized Western military support for Ukraine and the European Union, while maintaining a contentious relationship with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.
The election took place against a backdrop of high inflation, labor shortages, and widespread corruption, issues that were largely overshadowed by personal attacks and political rivalries during the campaign.