Croatia Presidential Election Begins with Milanović Leading

Croatia's presidential election commenced on December 29, 2024, with incumbent President Zoran Milanović leading in the polls against his main challenger, Dragan Primorac, who is backed by the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ). Milanović, representing the opposition Socialist Democrats, has garnered 37.2% of voter support compared to Primorac's 20.4%. Two independent candidates, Marija Selak Raspudić and Ivana Kekin, each have around 10% support. If no candidate secures over 50% of the votes, a second round will be held on January 12, 2025. Milanović has been a controversial figure, clashing with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković over various policies, and has publicly criticized Western military support for Ukraine. The president's role is largely ceremonial, but he has influence over foreign policy and defense matters.