The European Nations once had a thing called EU unity. However, that so called unity has been left in tatters and turned into a total myth ever since the Ukraine war knocked upon the doors of Brussels. Things have been concerning where multiple governments have already fallen while others struggle to manage the fallout of the long drawn Russia-Ukraine war.
But among this chaos, the Balkans have their own champions who’ve historically stood up to the EU. Croatia’s Zoran Milanovic is one such president who has become a constant thorn in the EU’s side.
Recently, Brussels tried everything in their playbook to remove him from power. However now Milanovic has won a landslide much to the dismay of the power circles in Brussels.
Milanovic wins Landslide Election
Zoran Milanović celebrated his landslide victory in Croatia’s presidential runoff election on Sunday, taunting from his Zagreb headquarters: “It’s over, look at the scoreboard!” The numbers were brutal – Milanović crushed Dragan Primorac, the candidate from Prime Minister Andrej Plenković’s HDZ party, claiming over 74% of votes. This victory wasn’t shocking, as he nearly won outright in the first round on December 29 with 49.1%.
During his victory speech, Milanović promised constitutional adherence but fired a warning shot at “those who want to accumulate everything for themselves,” saying voters have sent them a message. He acknowledged his presidential powers over military and foreign policy would need “cooperation” to exercise.
The final tally, with 99% of polls counted, showed Milanović demolishing Primorac 74.7% to 25.3%, though turnout only hit about 44% of eligible voters. What is worth noting here is that neither the EU leaders nor Zelensky or even the PM Andrej Plenkovic congratulated Milanovic on his victory.
EU and West Targeted in Victory Speech
Milanović has a history of butting heads with the West over Ukraine. He blasted Western aid for Ukraine, and opposed its NATO membership, labeled their 2014 Euromaidan as a “coup d’état,” and criticized both Western allies and Ukraine for not honoring the Minsk Agreements. Just this October, he flat-out refused to let Croatian soldiers join NATO’s Ukraine support mission.
The EU has long ignored Croatia for its small population of 3.8 million people. After the results, Western mainstream media once again labeled Milanović as a populist pro-Russian and anti-European Union candidate, drawing on his previous criticisms of the EU’s approach to the war in Ukraine and the introduction of sanctions on Russia.
Milanovic has blamed Volodymyr Zelensky for the war, calling him a thief who puts the lives of innocent Ukrainians at risk. He stated that “Ukraine is one of the most corrupt countries in the world, it is economically stagnating and hasn’t gotten anything from the EU.”
Furthermore, While Milanović has been outspoken against the Croatian government’s botched foreign policy, he has also shared critical views on migrant workers. The Pro-EU PM Plenkovic has often blasted Milanovic for such stances.
Western Hopes Shattered Again
Milanović blocked judicial reforms and appointments, accusing Plenković of cronyism, sparking institutional deadlock. Milanović opposed certain EU energy policies promoted by Plenković, claiming they disregarded Croatia’s interests. Both leaders exchanged personal jabs, with Milanović labeling Plenković a “servant of Brussels” and Plenković calling Milanović “an embarrassment.”
The electorate has spoken clearly – and Brussels’ attempts to sideline the popular Balkan leader has backfired spectacularly. The country may appear divided, but reality tells a different story. Milanovic’s triumph proves he has the public’s unwavering support.
Try as the EU might, despite Zelensky’s wishes and Plenkovic’s prayers, this victory demonstrates that citizens see through the façade. Once again, the carefully constructed matrix has shattered and Brussels, stands on the losing side.
