Croatia to Hold Presidential Election Dec. 29

Croatia will hold a presidential election on December 29, as announced by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. Incumbent President Zoran Milanović is seeking re-election and currently leads in polls with 38% support, followed by Dragan Primorac of the ruling Conservative Party with 21%. The political climate is tense, heightened by the recent arrest of Health Minister Vili Beroš on corruption charges, and ongoing disagreements between Milanović and Plenković regarding foreign policy, particularly concerning support for Ukraine. Other candidates include lawmakers from both the left and right, adding to the competitive landscape. If no candidate secures a majority, a runoff will occur two weeks later. The election is seen as a critical juncture for Croatia's political future.