Anti-EU incumbent Zoran Milanovic, often described as “Croatia’s Trump,” who is running for re-election, and the candidate from the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), Dragan Primorac, have advanced to the second round of the presidential election, set to be held on 12 January. The State Electoral Commission (DIP) announced this on Sunday after counting the votes from 99.67% of local election commissions.
Although exit polls released after the polls closed on Sunday evening had predicted that the incumbent president would win in the first round, Milanović received 49.11%. Primorac came in second with 19.37%. Pre-election polls had indicated a likely showdown in the second round between the two candidates.
The HDZ candidate was particularly successful among voters abroad, securing 48.69% of the overseas vote, while Milanović garnered only 17.09% from expatriates.
According to the DIP, 46% of Croatian citizens of legal age participated in the elections. The electoral roll includes 3,762,221 registered voters (3,512,226 residing in Croatia, and 249,995 registered abroad).
President Milanović employs a populist, anti-EU rhetoric, accusing the government of being “Brussels’ puppet.” He aims to keep Croatia out of Russia’s war against Ukraine, arguing that it is not Croatia’s war. While he has not questioned Croatia’s NATO membership, he opposes the active deployment of Croatian soldiers in the conflict, even as part of a potential peacekeeping mission.
Despite being elected by an absolute majority of votes, the president has limited influence on domestic policy in Croatia, as the parliament and government hold the decisive power. As the ceremonial head of state, he has a say only in some issues related to the intelligence services, some aspects of foreign policy, and, as commander-in-chief of the army, in defence matters.
