Croatia's upcoming presidential runoff this Sunday promises to be a fascinating showdown between two starkly different candidates.
On one side stands Zoran Milanović, the incumbent president and a seasoned political figure. A former amateur boxer, Milanović has captivated voters with his populist messaging, securing a narrow lead by just 4,000 votes in the first round. Formally a leftist and social democrat, he has strategically made concessions to the right, appealing to a broad spectrum of the electorate.
Critics have pointed out elements of populist rhetoric in Milanović's approach, drawing comparisons to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. His stance on international matters has been particularly notable. Milanović is a vocal opponent of NATO expanding eastward towards Russia and has resisted deploying Croatian soldiers to both combat and non-combat missions in Ukraine. \"It's not our war,\" he has frequently stated, reflecting his cautious approach to international military engagements.
Additionally, Milanović has been a strong critic of the Israeli strategy in Gaza, condemning it as an ineffective model of warfare. His positions have sparked debates among Croatian voters, highlighting his influence and the polarized opinions surrounding his leadership.
Facing him is the other candidate, an academic and scientist who has struggled to gain significant traction in the political arena. This contrast between Milanović’s populist experience and his opponent’s academic background underscores the diverse choices facing Croatian voters as they decide the future direction of their country.
Reference(s):
The populist and the scientist: Croatia's presidential candidates
cgtn.com
