Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
UK trade minister Reynolds: We were not involved in Iran attacks but we were informed
Senior Iranian source to Reuters: The number of personnel at the Fordow site had been reduced to a minimum
Senior Iranian source to Reuters: Most of the highly enriched uranium at Fordow was moved to an undisclosed location prior to US attack
Iran's IRGC: The most significant capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran in this sacred defense have not yet been deployed
Iran's IRGC: In this barrage of missiles, air raid sirens sounded after the missiles made impact, causing the enemy to lose its balance
Iran's IRGC: The deployed missiles are capable of maneuvering while falling and are guided until the moment of impact, and they are equipped with destructive and highly explosive warheads
Iran's IRGC: We have adopted new and surprising tactics to achieve more precise, destructive, and effective strikes
Iran's IRGC: In this operation, we deployed the third-generation multi-warhead ballistic missile Kheibar Shekan for the first time
Iran's IRGC: We launched the 20th wave of Operation True Promise 3 by firing 40 solid- and liquid-fueled missiles
Chairman of the Iranian Parliament's Foreign Policy Committee: Tehran has the right to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty based on Article 10

Milanovic secures apparent first-round victory in Croatian election

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 29 Dec 2024 22:21
3 Min Read

The election took place as Croatia, an EU and NATO member with a population of 3.8 million, grapples with significant challenges, including inflation, corruption, and a labor shortage.

Listen
  • x
  • Croatia's President Zoran Milanovic speaks to the media after casting his ballot during presidential elections, at a polling station in Zagreb, Croatia, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. (AP)
    Croatia's President Zoran Milanovic speaks to the media after casting his ballot during presidential elections, at a polling station in Zagreb, Croatia, on Sunday, December 29, 2024. (AP)

Croatian President Zoran Milanovic appears to have won re-election in the first round, according to exit polls released on Sunday. Backed by the opposition Social Democrats, Milanovic garnered 51.48% of the vote, surpassing the 50% threshold needed to avoid a runoff. His nearest competitor, Dragan Primorac of the ruling HDZ party, secured 19.29% of the vote, according to figures reported by state-run HRT television.

Croatia, presidential election (first round) today:

Ipsos exit poll shows that the incumbent Zoran Milanović (*-S&D) is set to win a majority of the votes.

If the State Electoral Commission (DIP) confirms this result as final, Milanović has won the presidential election in the… pic.twitter.com/befR3UNauE

— Europe Elects (@EuropeElects) December 29, 2024

The election took place as Croatia, an EU and NATO member with a population of 3.8 million, grapples with significant challenges, including inflation, corruption, and a labor shortage. While Milanovic was widely seen as the favorite, pre-election surveys had suggested that no candidate would achieve the outright majority required to win in the first round. If confirmed, Milanovic's victory would represent a significant blow to Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and his HDZ party, which has dominated Croatian politics since independence in 1991.

Among the eight presidential candidates, two women—Marija Selak Raspudic, a center-right MP, and Ivana Kekin, representing the green-left—each received around 8% of the vote, according to the exit poll.

Balance of power and leadership style

Related News

Zoran Milanovic wins landslide re-election as Croatian President

The Croatian presidency, while limited in scope, includes authority over the armed forces and influence on foreign policy. Many voters see the office as vital to maintaining a balance of power in a political system largely controlled by the HDZ. 

Milanovic, a former prime minister, has long been a prominent figure in Croatian politics. Known for his sharp wit, he has often used the presidency to challenge his opponents and criticize EU officials, sometimes adopting offensive and populist rhetoric.

Read more: Croatia leader slams West talk about tearing Russia apart as madness

While condemning Russia's operations in Ukraine, Milanovic has been outspoken in opposing Western military aid to Kiev. This stance led Prime Minister Plenkovic to accuse him of being pro-Russian and undermining Croatia's credibility in NATO and the EU. Milanovic defended his position, stating, "As long as I'm president no Croatian soldier will wage somebody else's wars."

A polarized political landscape

The election also reflects an ongoing rivalry between Milanovic and Plenkovic, with corruption and governance at the forefront of the campaign. Milanovic has frequently criticized Plenkovic, calling him a "serious threat to Croatia's democracy" and declaring during the campaign, "I'm a guarantee of the control of the octopus of corruption... headed by Andrej Plenkovic."

Primorac, a physician and scientist, ran as a "unifier," emphasizing family values and patriotism. "Croatia needs unity, global positioning, and a peaceful life," he said after voting in Zagreb. However, his campaign struggled to overcome Milanovic's popularity and direct criticisms of HDZ governance.

Turnout was reported at 36% by mid-afternoon, slightly lower than the 39% recorded in the previous election. Official results are expected later Sunday and, if confirmed, will solidify Milanovic's hold on the presidency, reaffirming his role as a counterbalance in Croatia's deeply polarized political environment.

Read more: US, NATO in proxy war against Russia in Ukraine: Croatian President

  • Croatian election
  • Zoran Milanovic
  • Croatia

Most Read

Iran launches 9th wave of Op. True Promise 3, destroys IOF air defense

Iran launches 9th wave of Op. True Promise 3, destroys IOF air defense

  • MENA
  • 17 Jun 2025
Rescue team work at the site where a missile launched from Iran struck Tel Aviv, Israel, Monday, June 16, 2025 (AP)

Wave 12 of Operation True Promise 3 launched, Sejjil deployed: IRGC

  • Politics
  • 18 Jun 2025
Iran launches missile barrage to Tel Aviv, casualties reported

True Promise 3, wave 14: Tel Aviv targeted, casualties reported

  • Politics
  • 19 Jun 2025
Iran's heavy barrages impact multiple Israeli targets overnight

Iran's heavy barrages impact multiple Israeli targets overnight

  • Palestine
  • 18 Jun 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
Iran’s Bavar-373 air defense system on display during a military drill (Mehr News Agency)
Politics

Iran intercepts Israeli drones near Tehran, multiple cities

The Israeli Iron Dome air defense system fires to intercept missiles during an Iranian attack over Tel Aviv, Occupied Palestine, Sunday, June 15, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Iran warns aid to 'Israel' will be treated as aggression

US President Donald Trump arrives to board Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, Friday, June 20, 2025, en route to Montclair, New Jersey (AP)
Politics

Trump, Erdogan made covert attempts to hold talks with Iran: Axios

Ansar Allah supporters surround a giant Iranian flag during an anti-US and anti-'Israel' weekly rally in Sanaa, Yemen, Friday, June 20, 2025 (AP)
Politics

US ships in Red Sea will be targeted if US attacks Iran: YAF

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS