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President Zoran Milanovic of Croatia clinched a commanding re-election victory in Sunday’s run-off, defeating his conservative opponent by a significant margin. The official results affirmed Milanovic’s widespread appeal and his continued hold on the nation’s political pulse.
With nearly all votes tallied, Zoran Milanovic emerged victorious with over 74 percent of the electorate’s support, while his challenger, Dragan Primorac, who was endorsed by the ruling HDZ party, garnered only 26 percent. The results underscored Milanovic’s dominance over the political scene.
Zoran Milanovic’s 74 percent vote share wasn’t just a personal triumph but also a historic one, representing the highest electoral support achieved by any presidential contender since Croatia became independent in 1991.
While the presidency in Croatia is mostly a ceremonial post, Milanovic’s commanding electoral victory marks a symbolic but significant loss for the HDZ and its leader, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic. This defeat compounds the challenges the government has faced since a high-profile corruption controversy emerged in November.
“Croatia, thank you!”, Milanovic told his supporters who gathered at a Zagreb art and music club to celebrate his success.
“I see this victory as a recognition of my work in the last five years and a plebiscite message from Croatian people to those who should hear it”, he said in a reference to the HDZ-led government.
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The outspoken Milanovic, backed by the left-wing opposition, won more than 49 percent of the vote in the contest’s first round two weeks ago — narrowly missing an outright victory.
Turnout Sunday was nearly 44 percent, slightly lower than in the first round, the electoral commission said.
The vote was held as the European Union member nation of 3.8 million people struggles with the highest inflation rate in the eurozone, endemic corruption and a labour shortage.
