Milanović and Primorac Head to Croatian Presidential Run-Off

Zagreb (Eurotoday) – Croatia’s presidential election will have a run-off between Zoran Milanović and Dragan Primorac on 12 January 2025.

Two weeks of run-off elections are set between Croatian President Zoran Milanovic and his conservative opponent, Dragan Primorac. The official results have it that President Zoran Milanovic narrowly lost in the vote on 29 Dec by not garnering enough for an outright win. Because none of the candidates garnered over 50%, a run-off election is scheduled between Milanović and Primorac on January 12, 2025.

Zoran Milanović, who enjoys the support of the Social Democratic Party, secured close to 49.1% of the votes, while the nominee of the ruling conservative Croatian Democratic Union, Dragan Primorac, managed to garner nearly 19.4%. Eight candidates contested the elections, and Marija Selak Raspudić took third place with around 9% while Ivana Kekin also trailed close to 9%.

What economic challenges is Croatia currently encountering?

The presidential election took place in Croatia when this country was facing big problems concerning its economy and social status. The two big issues were high inflation rates and rampant corruption accompanied by shortages of labor. Croatian struggles have been increased costs as inflation for February 2024 hit 4.8% compared to December 2023 at 5.4%. As for what Croatians worry the most, a Eurobarometer survey says it’s about increased costs and inflation by 68%.

How does Milanović’s platform differ from Primorac’s?

Zoran Milanović is the incumbent president of Croatia and running as a candidate from SDP, but he is seeking election as an independent candidate. His presidential campaign revolves around liberal political values, social justice policies, and anti-corruption policies. Milanović’s political views have been mainly against the current government he has taken a stance at times, as a protector of Croatian interests by foreign policy mainly in NATO/EU relations.

His primary competitors in the runoff election will be the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) and Dragan Primorac, whose campaign revolves around unity, family values, and patriotism. Primorac is expected to garner a significant proportion of the conservative vote through his message and manifesto that includes improvement of living standards for the citizenry, addressing issues among the youth, and greater support for pensioners.