Croatia’s President Zoran Milanovic has sought to exploit a recent scandal in the healthcare sector as he seeks to see off the challenge from his second round opponent, the ruling Croatian Democratic Union’s (HDZ’s) candidate Dragan Primorac. 

Milanovic, representing the Social Democratic Party (SDP), narrowly missed a first-round victory and now faces Primorac in the runoff on January 12. The race has been overshadowed by the recent arrest of former health minister Vili Beros on bribery charges, a scandal that has shaken confidence in the government of Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic.

Writing on Facebook, Milanovic declared that “something rotten” exists in the healthcare system, pointing to systemic conflicts of interest. “Someone who works in the public sector in the morning, where healthcare services are not available to everyone in an appropriate manner, cannot do the same job as a private individual for money in the afternoon,” he wrote.

Milanovic also stressed the importance of Croatia’s public healthcare system, describing it as a cornerstone of solidarity. “Croatia has a system that provides healthcare to everyone who needs it, but it needs to be protected from the attacks of people who want to get rich and still receive state subsidies,” he added. 

In a pointed critique of the HDZ, he accused its members of pursuing “influence, money and status” at the expense of public welfare.

The scandal erupted last month when Beros was arrested on charges of bribery and manipulating public procurement processes. He has denied any wrongdoing, but his immediate dismissal by Plenkovic has not quelled public outrage. Investigations by Croatia’s State Attorney and European prosecutors have since expanded, uncovering additional evidence that has further implicated the HDZ government.

Primorac has sought to counter Milanovic’s criticisms, accusing him of overstepping the president’s largely ceremonial role. “Zoran Milanovic wants to turn Croatia entirely red and rule from the shadows,” he said as quoted by news agency Hina. “It is time for a determined president who will put Croatia first.”

The healthcare scandal came after years of uneasy cohabitation between Milanovic and Plenkovic, whose combative relationship has frequently erupted into public disputes. If Milanovic secures a second term, this tension is likely to continue, posing challenges for a government already grappling with a loss of public trust.