The social democratic candidate known for his pro-Russian positions and his strong criticism of the right-wing government is favored by the polls.
Often compared to Donald Trump for his communication style, Zoran Milanović faces seven other candidates during the first round of the presidential election which is being held this Sunday in Croatia. The most popular politician in the country, the outgoing president is favored by the polls, with 37% of voting intentions.
A president opposed to supporting Ukraine
A social democratic candidate with populist tendencies and former prime minister, Zoran Milanović is known for his strong criticism of the right-wing government and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic. In recent times, the Croatian political scene has been marked by incessant clashes between the two men.
Although Croatia is a member of NATO and the EU, the pro-Russian politician has regularly criticized both institutions for their support for Kyiv and also blocked his country’s participation in a NATO-led training mission in Ukraine, stating that“No Croatian soldier will participate in someone else’s war.”
His main opponent involved in a corruption affair
Dragan Primorac, candidate for the ruling Croatian Democratic Union, is Zoran Milanović’s main rival.
Although he benefits from the support of the Croatian Prime Minister, his candidacy for the presidency is however tainted by a corruption affair which notably led the Croatian Minister of Health to prison last month.
In the event that no candidate obtains more than 50% of the votes during this first round – which the polls predict – a second vote will decide between the qualified contenders on January 12.
If in Croatia, the power of the president remains limited, the head of state is nevertheless responsible for the armies and responsible for representing the country on the international scene.
