The main committee of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) on Saturday overwhelmingly supported Zoran Milanovic as the party's candidate for President of the Republic, with 70 votes in favour, one against and one abstention.

SDP committee’s chairman Erik Fabijanic told the press after the meeting that he cannot not say with how much money the party would support Milanovic’s campaign, adding that it would be known when the election process and campaign fundraising begin.

In addition to financial support, Milanovic will also be able to count on the SDP’s full logistical support, Fabijanic said.

Responding to questions from the press, he said that Milanovic’s platform was yet to be discussed. Asked if the main committee knew what they supported given that Milanovic’s election programme had not been unveiled yet, Fabijanic said: “That’s why he only has our support for now.”

Fabijanic is widely seen as a critic of Zoran Milanovic, as is SDP deputy leader Zlatko Komadina who did not attend the committee meeting.

SDP leader Davor Bernardic later unequivocally confirmed that Milanovic was the SDP’s presidential candidate.