ZAGREB, Croatia — On Tuesday, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovi? announced that Croatia is set to hold its presidential election on December 29.
Authorities have yet to officially confirm the voting procedures; however, if no candidate secures a majority victory on the initial date, a runoff election will be organized two weeks later.

Incumbent President Zoran Milanovi?, known for his populist approach, has declared his intention to seek reelection.
He is supported by the opposition Social Democratic Party, while his primary contender is expected to be Dragan Primorac from the ruling conservative party.

The political landscape between Milanovi? and Plenkovi? is highly contentious, with the two men often clashing on various issues.
In particular, Milanovi? has criticized the Croatian government’s backing of Ukraine, which includes the involvement of Croatian forces in a NATO-led training initiative for Ukrainian soldiers.

Moreover, this election comes at a turbulent time for the conservative government, following the arrest of Health Minister Vili Beroš on allegations of corruption related to procurement contracts within Croatian hospitals.
There are also indications that other candidates from across the political spectrum, both left and right-leaning, are likely to enter the race.

Milanovi?, who is currently 58 years old, previously served as prime minister before his successful bid for the presidency five years ago, where he defeated the then-incumbent Kolinda Grabar Kitarovi?.