Zoran Milanović’s Landslide Victory: A New Chapter for Croatia’s Maverick President

By Cupo Cupovski 

Croatia’s President, Zoran Milanović, is a figure known for his bold and often controversial stances. His resounding re-election in January 2025 has propelled him back into the spotlight, confirming his status as one of Croatia’s most polarizing yet undeniably popular leaders. With a landslide victory, securing 74% of the vote in a runoff against the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) candidate, Milanović enters his second term with momentum—and plenty of plans. But what does this win mean for Croatia and the wider world? Let’s take a closer look at what’s ahead for this maverick president.

A Historic Victory: A Landslide That Shook Croatian Politics

The 2024–2025 Croatian presidential election was a spectacle of democratic engagement, drawing widespread attention both within Croatia and beyond. Milanović, having narrowly missed outright victory in the first round with 49.1% of the vote, faced off against Dragan Primorac, the HDZ candidate, in a tense January 12 runoff. In a stunning result, Milanović triumphed with an overwhelming 74% of the vote—marking the largest margin of victory in Croatia’s post-independence history.

Despite a relatively low voter turnout of 44.2%, the message was clear: a significant portion of the Croatian electorate backs Milanović’s fierce independence and non-conformist approach to governance. His coalition spans a mix of left-wing supporters and nationalists skeptical of the European Union’s (EU) influence, which has resonated with voters frustrated by Croatia’s economic struggles and demographic decline.

The Maverick Returns: Milanović’s Agenda for 2025 and Beyond

Since his re-inauguration in February, Milanović has wasted no time asserting his authority and reinforcing his populist image. One of his earliest post-election remarks was a direct challenge to EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Kaja Kallas, declaring that they "cannot speak on behalf of Croatia." Known for his unapologetic stance on national sovereignty, Milanović has consistently criticized what he sees as the EU's overreach into Croatia’s internal affairs, from energy policies to judicial reforms.

But it’s Milanović’s stance on the ongoing war in Ukraine that’s grabbing international attention. In the face of Western pressures, particularly from the Franco-British proposal to deploy 30,000 troops to Ukraine, Milanović bluntly dismissed the idea, likening it to “dreams of the grandchildren of those who led the Crimean War.” On diplomatic visits to Slovenia and Montenegro, he went further, suggesting that “an unjust peace is better than the continuation of the war” and even questioning the notion that Russia poses a direct threat to Europe. These comments have reignited concerns about his perceived pro-Russian sympathies, though Milanović insists that such claims are a product of Western fear-mongering.

Despite these controversial foreign policy positions, Milanović has shown a commitment to international dialogue. His participation in the Aqaba Process summit in Sofia on April 4, 2025, highlighted his ongoing involvement in global counter-terrorism discussions—demonstrating his diplomatic balancing act of criticizing Western alliances while engaging with global leaders on important issues.

Love Him or Hate Him: Croatia’s Polarizing Leader

Milanović’s re-election has certainly not brought universal approval. His victory has deepened the divide between him and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, whose Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) remains largely dismissive of the president’s mandate. In fact, Plenković’s terse remark that “Milanović offers nothing” speaks volumes about the chilly relationship between the two.

On social media, the debate is just as polarized. Milanović’s supporters on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) hail him as a staunch defender of Croatian sovereignty, a figure who resists EU and NATO pressures in favor of national interests. Meanwhile, his critics view him as a divisive figure, whose rhetoric and international comments undermine Croatia’s place in Europe and the West.

There’s no denying Milanović’s appeal: voters admire his calls for greater transparency, anti-corruption measures, and a no-nonsense approach to governance. However, his presidency is not without limitations. As a largely symbolic figure with limited executive power, Milanović’s ability to directly impact Croatia’s economic and demographic challenges remains constrained by his adversarial relationship with the HDZ-led government. Domestically, his rhetoric may resonate, but real change will depend on cooperation with a government that is not particularly inclined to work with him.

What’s Next for Milanović and Croatia?

As Milanović embarks on his second term, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Domestically, he will likely continue to push for greater accountability in government and more robust anti-corruption efforts, though his ability to achieve substantive reform will be limited by his strained relationship with the ruling HDZ.

On the international front, his skepticism toward NATO and the EU could either define Croatia’s independent foreign policy or lead to deeper isolation from Western allies. Croatia’s relationship with NATO remains a crucial issue, as Milanović’s ongoing skepticism about the alliance’s role in the Balkans has raised concerns among pro-EU factions within the country.

Ultimately, Milanović’s presidency promises to be a period of intense political debate and contention. Whether he succeeds in shaping Croatia’s future or becomes a thorn in the side of the establishment remains to be seen. What is clear is that, for better or worse, Milanović is not the type of leader who fades quietly into the background. With five more years in office, Croatia can expect his voice—loud, divisive, and unapologetic—to continue to reverberate both at home and abroad.

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What Do You Think?
Milanović’s re-election has sparked debates across Croatia and beyond. Is he the bold leader Croatia needs to break from the past and assert its sovereignty, or is he a reckless provocateur whose rhetoric risks isolating the country on the global stage? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear what you think!