Croatia’s Example Hints at Limits of Right-Wing Populism

Grabar-Kitarovic had the full backing of the conservative Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), which has led the governing coalition since 2016 and boasts a powerful party machine across the country.

Even so, Milanovic beat her soundly in the second round in early January, scooping 52.66 per cent of votes compared with 47.34 per cent for Grabar-Kitarovic.

But it is worth recalling the results of the first round of voting, in late December. Milanovic got 29.55 per cent, followed by Grabar-Kitarovic with 26.65 per cent and independent Miroslav Skoro with 24.45 per cent. 

While this was his first time running for president, Skoro was a well-known figure in Croatia before the election. In addition to having previously served in parliament as an HDZ lawmaker, he is a famous folk singer whose popularity peaked during the Balkan Wars of the 1990s with his unashamedly nationalistic songs. 

Skoro's campaign caused controversy, most notably by espousing historical revisionism of the genocidal atrocities committed by the Independent State of Croatia, a Nazi puppet regime during World War II.

This rhetoric garnered him the support of many conservatives in Croatia who believe that HDZ has become too liberal in recent years. He also attempted to gain supporters with his explicitly populist messaging by portraying himself as "a man of the people" who will bring about change to Croatian society.

President Kolinda Grabar Kitarovic talks to the media after the official results of the first round of presidential elections in December 2019. Photo: EPA-EFE/Antonio Bat

Following Skoro's failure to make it onto the second ballot, it was widely believed that Grabar-Kitarovic would win the election due to support from many of those who voted for...