Milanovic and the PES member party SDP (Socijaldemokratska Partija Hrvatske) took 52.7 percent of the vote.
PES President Sergei Stanishev said:
“This is a great victory for the Croatian social democrats and the progressives in Europe. I am sure Zoran Milanovic will bring new hope for the country, working for the benefit of all Croatians, endorsing social justice and equality in Croatia. His victory in the presidential election is even more significant, as Croatia has just taken over the rotating presidency of the European Union.”
Zoran Milanovic served as prime minister from 2011 to 2015 and was frequently welcomed at the PES European Council preparation meetings together with progressive prime ministers of the EU. His dedication to the ideas of a social and just Europe is even more welcomed now, when the number of social-democratic leaders in Europe is growing by the hour.
“Parliamentary elections in Croatia are due to be held later in the year in Croatia and I hope the efforts of Zoran Milanovic and SDP will be appreciated once again by the voters in the country”, PES president Sergei Stanishev added.
Stanishev will be sending a congratulations letter to the newly elected president of Croatia on behalf of the PES. Zoran Milanovic will take office on 19 February.
