Zoran Milanovic Sworn In For Second Term As Croatia’s President

ZAGREB (Croatia), Feb 18 (Bernama-Anadolu) – Following his victory in Croatia’s elections, Zoran Milanovic was sworn in on Tuesday for his second term as president.

According to Anadolu Ajansi, the ceremony, held at the Presidential Palace in the capital, Zagreb, was attended by former presidents, military officials, and representatives from political and civil organisations, though Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandrokovic and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic were both absent.

In his speech, Milanovic stressed the importance of state institutions in ensuring citizens' peace and security and highlighted the need for legal and social reforms to address injustice and corruption.

Milanovic stressed the importance of improving education, healthcare, and the justice system while acknowledging ongoing economic struggles despite growth.

In the first round of the December 2024 election, Milanovic secured 49.1 per cent of the vote, while his rival, Dragan Primorac of the HDZ party, received 19.4 per cent.

In the second round on Jan 12., Milanovic won over 74 per cent of the vote.

Born in 1966 in Zagreb, Milanovic served in various diplomatic roles before becoming leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 2008.

After leading the SDP to victory in 2011, he served as prime minister until 2016. Milanovic returned to politics in 2019, running for president as the SDP's candidate.

He speaks English, Russian, and French and is known for his clashes with Prime Minister Plenkovic.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU