He has criticized Plenković for his pro-European position, referring to him as a “fire-spewing badger” and accusing him of being a puppet controlled by Brussels and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, whom he derisively called her “errand boy.” Immigration has been another focal point of his attacks, with claims that the ruling party has mishandled the issue, positioning it as Croatia’s most pressing challenge.
Plenković, however, has framed the upcoming vote as a pivotal choice for Croatia’s future within the European Union.
“Milanović is a cancer of Croatian politics,” Plenković declared at the start of December, urging voters to cast their support for Primorac. “The difference between him and Milanović is quite simple. Milanović is leading us East; Primorac is leading us West,” he added.
Their differences extend sharply to the issue of Ukraine. Plenković has been a firm supporter of military aid to Kyiv, whereas Milanović, leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has taken a starkly opposing view. He has criticized Western sanctions on Russia and in October blocked the participation of Croatian soldiers in NATO’s mission supporting Ukraine.
Hanging over Dragan Primorac’s candidacy, however, is another controversy. Health Minister Vili Beroš was recently arrested and dismissed following an investigation by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, adding further turbulence to the political landscape.
While Primorac may ultimately face Milanović in a second round, most analysts predict he would struggle to defeat him if it comes to that.













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