Political rivals vie for Croatia’s Prime Minister position

Croatia is gearing up for parliamentary elections with two political heavyweights vying for the position of Prime Minister. Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, a conservative, is seeking a third term in office, while populist left-wing President Zoran Milanovic is hoping to unseat him.

Plenkovic, known for his measured tone and centrist approach, has highlighted his achievements in bringing Croatia into the Schengen zone and transitioning to the euro currency. However, his opponents have raised concerns about corruption within his party, the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ).

On the other hand, Milanovic, who previously served as Prime Minister from 2011 to 2016, is campaigning with the Social Democrats party (SDP). Despite a court ruling against his participation in the election while still serving as president, Milanovic has launched a de-facto campaign across the country.

Describing himself as having a “leftist heart and conservative head,” Milanovic has faced criticism for his populist rhetoric and confrontational style. However, he has a strong base of support among progressive, educated, and urban voters.

As the two candidates battle it out for the top political position in Croatia, the election has sparked intense debate and mobilized voters across the country. With issues of corruption, economic challenges, and illegal migration at the forefront of the campaign, the outcome of the election is eagerly awaited by both supporters and critics of the candidates.