NATO Sceptic Croatian President Wins Election
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent
ZAGREB/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Croatian President Zoran Milanovic, a critic of the European Union and NATO aid to Ukraine, won the first round of presidential elections on Sunday. Still, he did not receive enough votes to avoid a runoff on January 12.
Election officials said Milanovic, backed by the opposition Social Democrats, won 49.1 percent support after ballots from all polling stations had been counted.
His primary challenger, Dragan Primorac – the candidate of the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) – won 19.35 percent support.
Despite his rhetoric perceived as populist, Milanovic is seen by Croatian voters as a counterweight to the HDZ government, where
Thirty ministers had to resign for corruption allegations.
Official data showed that some 3.8 million Croatians could vote for eight presidential candidates, including three women, but less than half bothered to cast ballots.
Independent candidate Marija Selak Raspudic came third with 9.25 percent support.
Though the post of president is primarily ceremonial, he has a say in foreign policy, defense, and security matters.
Milanovic, known for his harsh criticism of the government, sent a reconciliatory message, saying he would offer a hand to the government during uncertainty. “My program offers everything that Croatia needs – unity, a better life, a care for the youth… a care for pensioners,” he said.
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