Croatia is gearing up for an epic face-off this Sunday, and it's a real-life clash of titans! 🥊🧪 In one corner, we have the incumbent president Zoran Milanović, a former amateur boxer and seasoned political veteran with a flair for populist messaging. In the other, an academic and scientist who's been flying under the radar. The stakes are high, and the contrasts couldn't be sharper.
Milanović came tantalizingly close to clinching victory in the first round, missing out by just 4,000 votes. Though formally a leftist and social democrat, he's not afraid to dip into right-wing waters, broadening his appeal across the political spectrum. Critics point out that his rhetoric sometimes leans towards populism, but that hasn't stopped him from rallying support.
Known for his outspoken views, Milanović isn't shy about taking strong stances on international issues. His worldview aligns closely with that of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. He's a vocal opponent of NATO's eastward expansion towards Russia and is firmly against sending Croatian troops—whether in combat or non-combat roles—to Ukraine. \"It's not our war,\" he declares unapologetically.
Milanović has also made waves by strongly condemning Israel's military actions in Gaza, showcasing his willingness to challenge prevailing global narratives.
As Croatia heads to the polls, the nation is watching to see whether the populist boxer can deliver a knockout punch, or if the scientist will manage an upset. One thing's for sure: this election is one for the books! 📚
Reference(s):
The populist and the scientist: Croatia's presidential candidates
cgtn.com
