Critics claim that his public feuds with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković (who is also from HDZ), his cozying up to war criminals, and his promises to cut support for NATO and Ukraine have caused significant damage to the international reputation of the largely uncontroversial Balkan country.

The situation at home could not be more different. Videos of Milanović’s unfiltered press conferences and interviews often go viral on social media, and feature comments to the effect that politics is “a mere sensation” or that “I might qualify for the psychiatric ward, but only as head of the clinic.”
Analysts, however, believe the core of his appeal is his fierce rejection of the conservative HDZ, the country’s strongest party, which has dominated the political scene since Croatia gained independence following the breakup of socialist Yugoslavia in 1991.
“HDZ has governed Croatia since independence with two short interruptions only, leading state and national institutions for a very long time,” Bieber said.
“A lot of people are frustrated with the entrenchment and corruption of the party, and the sense that there is no political alternative.”
Meanwhile, Plenković, Milanović’s main opponent, is seen as a bookish Eurocrat whose decisions are pragmatic and predictable, and who consistently aligns himself with Brussels on domestic and foreign policy.
Croatia’s firebrand president, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, has emerged as the clear frontrunner in the country’s presidential election, positioning herself for a second term in office.
Grabar-Kitarović, who has been known for her outspoken and bold leadership style, has captured the attention of voters with her strong stance on national security and foreign policy. She has been a vocal advocate for Croatia’s membership in the European Union and NATO, and has worked tirelessly to strengthen ties with neighboring countries in the volatile Balkan region.
Despite facing some criticism for her confrontational approach to politics, Grabar-Kitarović’s popularity has only grown in recent months, with many voters praising her as a strong and decisive leader who is not afraid to stand up for Croatia’s interests on the international stage.
As the election results continue to roll in, it is becoming increasingly clear that Grabar-Kitarović is on track to secure a second term in office. With her bold and uncompromising leadership style, she has proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with in Croatian politics, and it seems that voters are eager to see her continue to lead the country into the future.
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