Croatia🏛️ PoliticsProgressiveOverlooked by conservatives9/8/2026
How many more "locations" are there?
The article discusses recent findings by the Croatian Intelligence Service (USKOK) regarding illegal waste disposal and environmental violations in Gospić, Varaždin, and Benkovac. The findings suggest that these incidents are part of a broader pattern of institutional negligence and potential criminal offenses against the environment and economy. The author criticizes the government, particularly Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, for failing to address these issues and questions who has been responsible for overseeing waste management, issuing permits, and enforcing regulations. The article frames the issue as a growing public concern, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency, and suggests that similar problems might exist elsewhere in Croatia, including potentially in Zagreb.
The Croatian parliament member from the Most party, Zvonimir Troskot, has called for the government to declare an emergency environmental situation in the region of Lika following the release of official findings by the State Inspectorate for Environmental Protection (Uskok). These findings confirmed pollution of groundwater near an illegal dumpsite in Divoselo, near Gospić. The declaration would enable immediate removal of hazardous waste from all affected locations without further delays. Troskot emphasized that there is no more room to reduce the scale of this ecological disaster. He stated that the government must activate all available national capacities to address the issue at once, including the removal of waste from Silosa, Rakitovac, and Lički Osik. “More than a month ago, we warned that tens of thousands of tons of waste could not be left on porous karst without consequences for soil and groundwater,” he said. “Last night, Mayor Darko Milinović of Gospić accused us of lying about groundwater contamination on Novi List television. Today, Uskok released an official report confirming the opposite.” According to the findings, testing conducted by the Institute for Water Research "Josip Juraj Strossmayer" showed that 89.2 percent of all identified polymer particles were present in one of three samples taken from piezometers around the site. In another sample, the concentration of polystyrene exceeded 737 micrograms per liter. The results suggest the possibility that materials from the surface have penetrated into the underground water reservoir, with the observed area being the most likely source of the detected contamination. Troskot criticized the mayor’s earlier claims of misinformation and stressed that the public deserves truth. He urged unified and urgent action from all relevant authorities, ensuring financial resources and eliminating administrative delays in waste removal. Additionally, detailed hydrogeological analysis and continuous monitoring of both groundwater and surface waters are necessary. In a message to the chief state prosecutor Ivan Turudić, Troskot demanded that the investigation not stop at direct offenders. “Turudić must answer whether DORH is investigating the entire institutional and political chain that enabled this ecological catastrophe,” he said. “Thousands of trucks and tens of thousands of tons of waste could not have gone unnoticed and ended up in the heart of Lika without someone issuing permits, someone responsible for oversight, someone who knew what was happening, and someone who decided not to act.” Troskot noted that tens of thousands of citizens had marched for Lika and Croatia, rejecting further delays and concealment. “We now have an official confirmation of groundwater contamination. The government can no longer act as if this were a routine administrative procedure. This is an extraordinary environmental situation and must be addressed immediately, decisively, and at all affected sites,” he concluded. Separately, the Most representative emphasized that local residents had paid 5,000 euros for laboratory tests in Berlin, which revealed that the waste found in Lički Osik was chemically contaminated plastic containing antimony, lead, and PAH oil. The findings confirm that dangerous waste continues to be illegally disposed of in multiple locations within Lika. Sabor member Dalija Orešković pointed out the contradiction between the statements of Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and his allies, including Mayor Milinović, who claimed the water was clean, despite the evidence showing toxic substances had already entered the groundwater. She questioned the integrity of the leadership and called for legal accountability. Meanwhile, the head of the Banja Luka-based organization BUZ, Milivoj Špika, expressed concern over the growing number of such incidents, noting that the recent Uskok report confirms that the situation in Gospić is part of a larger pattern of illegal waste disposal. He emphasized that the public has a right to know how many such locations exist in Croatia and who among officials failed to monitor or regulate waste management. Špika highlighted the need for transparency and accountability, stressing that the nation's trust has been deeply eroded. As these developments unfold, the pressure on the government to respond swiftly grows stronger, with calls for transparency, legal action, and urgent measures to prevent further environmental damage.
4 reports
Novi listIndependentProgressiveFactual 95Objective 859/7/2026
Saborski zastupnik Mosta Zvonimir Troskot zahtijevao je da Vlada proglasi izvanredno ekološko stanje nakon što je Uskok objavio službeni nalaz koji potvrđuje onečišćenje podzemnih voda na području ilegalnog odlagališta u Divoselu kod Gospića. Rezultati testiranja ukazuju na prodor otpada u podzemni vodonosnik, što je potvrdilo predhodne upozorenja Troskota i drugih aktivista. Troskot je optužio gradonačelnika Gospića Darko Milinovića za lažne tvrdnje o onečišćenju, a istaknuo je potrebu za hitnim uklanjanjem otpada i detaljnom hidrogeološkom analizom. Troskot je također zahtijevao da se istraga o ekološkoj katastrofi proširi na institucionalne i političke stranke, premašivši samo neposredne počinitelje.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue as a failure of institutional and political accountability, emphasizing the need for urgent action and transparency. The tone criticizes local authorities and suggests systemic negligence, aligning with left-leaning concerns about environmental justice and governmental责任
Why factuality (95): The article accurately reports the claim by Zvonimir Troskot that the government should declare an ecological emergency in Lika after USKOK confirmed groundwater contamination from an illegal dump in Divosel near Gospić. It includes specific data from the analysis (e.g., 89.2% of polymer particles f
Why objectivity (85): The article presents the situation as a serious environmental issue but does not appear to take sides beyond reporting Troskot’s statements. However, phrases like “ekološke katastrofe” (“ecological disaster”) may carry some emotional weight, slightly reducing neutrality.
Zvonimir Troskot, saborski zastupnik Mosta, traži da Vlada proglasi izvanredno ekološko stanje u Lici nakon što je Uskok objavio službeni nalaz o onečišćenju podzemnih voda na području ilegalnog odlagališta u Divoselu kod Gospića. Rezultati vještačenja pokazuju visoke razine polimerima u podzemnim vodama, što ukazuje na mogućnost širenja onečišćenja. Troskot ističe da su mjesecima upozoravali na opasnosti ostavljanja otpada na poroznom kršu, a sada traže hitno djelovanje za uklanjanje otpada i detaljnu hidrogeološku analizu. Također je uputio poruku glavnom državnom odvjetniku Ivanu Turudiću da istragu ne smije ograničiti samo na neposredne počinitele, već da istraži cijeli institucionalni i politički lanac koji je doprinijeo ekološkoj katastrofi.
Bias read (Progressive): The article emphasizes urgent action by the government to address environmental damage caused by illegal waste disposal, criticizes local authorities for inaction, and calls for accountability at higher levels including the Chief State Prosecutor. The framing highlights the severity of the crisis, a
Why factuality (95): The article accurately summarizes Troskot’s demands based on the USKOK report, citing specific data points such as the 89.2% polymer detection and the location of the illegal dump. It also includes direct quotes from Troskot and explains the implications of the findings clearly.
Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a neutral tone overall, focusing on presenting the facts and Troskot’s statements without overt bias. However, the term “ekološke katastrofe” still carries some emotional weight, slightly affecting neutrality.
The article discusses recent findings by the Croatian Intelligence Service (USKOK) regarding illegal waste disposal and environmental violations in Gospić, Varaždin, and Benkovac. The findings suggest that these incidents are part of a broader pattern of institutional negligence and potential criminal offenses against the environment and economy. The author criticizes the government, particularly Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, for failing to address these issues and questions who has been responsible for overseeing waste management, issuing permits, and enforcing regulations. The article frames the issue as a growing public concern, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency, and suggests that similar problems might exist elsewhere in Croatia, including potentially in Zagreb.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue as a systemic failure of institutions and government oversight, implicating political leaders like Plenković. It emphasizes public anger over silence and neglect, and questions the role of political figures in addressing environmental violations. While not overtly left-w
Why factuality (95): The article reports on the USKOK findings regarding illegal waste disposal in Gospić and Varaždin, referencing official documents and institutional investigations. It aligns with the cross-source consensus that these are serious environmental issues involving multiple locations. However, it does not
Why objectivity (70): The tone is critical of political responses and emphasizes public concern, suggesting a bias towards holding institutions accountable. The language is more emotive and accusatory, particularly when discussing institutional responsibility and political accountability.
The article reports on recent findings regarding illegal waste dumping in Gospić and Varaždin, highlighting concerns over environmental contamination. The main legal expert, Ivan Turudić, announced upcoming reports confirming institutional efforts to address the issue. Local authorities, including Miroslav Marković, noted while the situation is concerning, there is no evidence of widespread pollution, and water safety remains intact. Premier Andrej Plenković has pledged urgent remediation and continued oversight, with political analysts suggesting this has become a significant political challenge for the government. The HDZ party has requested an assessment of potential locations for a hazardous waste incinerator within Croatia.
Bias read (Progressive): The article emphasizes the urgency of addressing environmental issues and frames the government's response as proactive, particularly through Premier Plenković's commitment to 'hitna sanacija' (urgent remediation). It highlights the political implications of the waste issue, suggesting it has become
Why factuality (85): The article mentions new reports from USKOK, statements from officials like Turudić and Marković, and the government’s response including planned remediation. It references the HDZ request for a waste incinerator, which is part of the broader discussion. While it cites some official positions, it al
Why objectivity (75): The article presents information from various stakeholders but maintains a relatively neutral tone overall. It highlights both the seriousness of the issue and the political implications, though there is a slight leaning toward emphasizing the political dimension of the crisis.
How each side covered it
The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.
progressive
center
conservative
★
How each side covered it
Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.
Croatia
