Croatia’s “pro-Russian” president, Zoran Milanović, overwhelmingly won reelection for another five-year term on Sunday.
Milanović, 58, defeated a candidate from the ruling conservative party in a runoff vote, official results showed.
Why It Matters
Milanović is a critic of the European Union and NATO, and has also spoken out against Western military support for Ukraine in its war with Russia.
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković has labeled Milanović “pro-Russian” and a threat to Croatia’s international standing.
What to Know
Milanović has rejected claims of being pro-Russian, though he blocked the deployment of five Croatian officers to NATO’s Security Assistance and Training mission for Ukraine in Germany last year.
Often compared to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump for his combative communication style, Milanović secured over 74% of the vote. He defeated challenger Dragan Primorac, who garnered nearly 26%, according to Croatia’s state election authorities.
Milanović did well in the first round of voting on Dec. 29, but fell 5,000 votes short of the 50% majority needed to avoid a runoff.
While the Croatian presidency is a largely ceremonial position, it carries political influence and grants the president the position of supreme military commander.
Many view it as crucial for maintaining a balance of power in a nation mostly governed by the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) since its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991.
Milanović, a vocal critic of Plenković, frequently accuses the HDZ of systemic corruption.
The election comes as Croatia grapples with rising inflation, corruption scandals and a labor shortage.
What People Are Saying
Milanović said in a speech after the results were released that his victory was a sign of approval and trust from the voters, but also presented a message “about the state of affairs in the country for those who need to hear it.”
“I am asking them (the government) to hear it,” said Milanovic. “That is what the citizens wanted to say. This is not just support for me.”
On Sunday, Milanović again criticized the EU as “in many ways non-democratic” and run by unelected officials.
The EU position that “if you don’t think the same as I do, then you’re the enemy” amounts to “mental violence,” Milanović said.
“That’s not the modern Europe I want to live and work in,” he said. “I will work on changing it, as much as I can as the president of a small nation.”
Political analyst Višeslav Raos said the increasingly outspoken Milanović has no motive to “try to please someone or try to control himself.”
“If there was no cooperation with the prime minister for the first five years (of his presidency), why would there be now?” he said.
What Happens Next
Milanović’s criticism of Western military aid to Ukraine and NATO’s involvement could deepen tensions with allies amid ongoing conflicts with Russia.
This article includes reporting by the Associated Press
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