Croatia’s center-left former PM Zoran Milanovic has won 52.7% of the vote in Croatia’s presidential runoff, defeating the center-right incumbent Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, who won 47.3%.
“Four million of us … are looking for our place in Europe which is, despite all the problems, the nicest place to live, the most peaceful project in which Croatia must find its place and interest,” Milanovic said after his victory.
Grabar-Kitarovic admitted the defeat and promised a “civilised transfer” of power to Milanovic, stressing that the country needs stability and unity.
The election was held days after Croatia took over the European Union’s presidency for six months. The country joined the EU in 2013, but it is still struggling to improve its weak economy, that relies mostly on tourism.
Milanovic’s five-year term as president will begin in February.
Milanovic elected new president of Croatia
EPA-EFE/DANIEL KASAP
Croatian presidential candidate of Social Democratic Party (SDP) Zoran Milanovic (R) speaks to supporters as his wife Sanja Pusic (L) looks on during an election night rally in Zagreb, Croatia, 05 January 2020. According to initial exit polls, milanovic has won presidential elections with 54 percent of votes ahead of incumbent president Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic.
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