ON
← Back to feed
HDZ's sheep promise a quick fix, citing the worst example of negligence as an example: "It will be to the satisfaction of the Hospice"
Croatia🏛️ PoliticsLean Progressive6 days ago

HDZ's sheep promise a quick fix, citing the worst example of negligence as an example: "It will be to the satisfaction of the Hospice"

Two members of Croatia's HDZ party, Ante Sanader and Maksimilijan Šimrak, have pledged to quickly address illegally delayed waste disposal issues in Gospić, emphasizing protection of residents' health and criticizing those spreading panic and politicizing the issue. Šimrak stated that all relevant institutions have been instructed to act swiftly while respecting legal procedures, prioritizing health protection and site cleanup. He noted that current data from the Croatian Public Health Institute does not show water contamination or health risks, and called for expanded testing and increased oversight. Šimrak also mentioned ongoing investigations into individuals suspected of environmental crimes and expects them to be prosecuted. Sanader emphasized the need for a measured, rational approach to environmental protection, stressing that politicians should not provide expert opinions. He criticized the chairperson of the Environmental Protection Committee for not consulting committee members before scheduling a meeting and accused the 'Možemo!' platform of focusing on other issues rather than addressing the Gospić waste problem.

Hundreds of residents of Gospić have taken to the streets, joined by politicians, demanding action against illegal waste dumping and calling it a crime against humanity. The protest, which took place ahead of a special session of the Croatian Parliament’s Environmental Protection Committee, has drawn widespread attention due to the scale of environmental degradation and the perceived failure of local and national authorities to address the crisis effectively. For years, residents of Gospić have raised concerns about the illegal disposal of hazardous waste, including plastic, medical waste, electronic refuse, and heavy metals. In recent months, these warnings were vindicated when international investigations uncovered over 35,000 tons of improperly disposed waste buried beneath the town. This discovery has sparked outrage among locals who claim their water, air, and soil have been poisoned. “We feel sad and helpless,” said Marica Grčević, a resident of Gospić. “They’ve poisoned everything.” The situation escalated dramatically during a peaceful demonstration last Sunday, with hundreds of citizens gathering in the town square. They were joined by representatives from both left-wing and right-wing political parties, all condemning the environmental destruction. “This is a crime against humanity, against Like, against Croatia itself,” said Ana Obućina from Perušić. The protests, which mark the tenth such gathering, have received support from citizens in other parts of Croatia, indicating growing public frustration with the government's response. Local organizers expressed disappointment with the state institutions they had hoped would intervene. “The State Inspectorate, which should have been our alpha and omega in this issue, betrayed us,” said one organizer, Mihael Podnar. He pointed to the lack of transparency and accountability, noting that even the European Union has been forced to step in after local authorities failed to act. “We can’t expect help from anyone else than the EU,” he added. The environmental disaster has also become a political battleground. Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, speaking on August 11th, urged citizens not to succumb to panic or misinformation, while opposition leader Siniša Hajdaš Dončić accused him of failing to take responsibility for the waste. “Instead of saying we made mistakes, he blames the opposition for his garbage,” Dončić retorted. Meanwhile, members of the ruling party, particularly HDZ, have pledged swift action. Saborski zastupnici Ante Sanader and Maksimilijan Šimrak emphasized the need for immediate remediation, citing the health risks posed to residents. “We will not downplay the issue; we are moving towards rapid, efficient, and adequate measures in accordance with professional standards, scientific measurements, and expert analysis,” Šimrak stated. He noted that preliminary tests by the Croatian Institute for Public Health found no evidence of contaminated drinking water, though further testing was planned. However, critics argue that the delay in addressing the crisis reflects deeper systemic failures. “What we’re seeing here is not just a case of illegal waste disposal, it’s a question of how our political system functions,” said Sandra Benčić, representing the left-wing opposition. She called for urgent action not only in Gospić but across the region, highlighting similar issues in neighboring towns like Benkovac and Pazin. “One case might be an incident, but this is a question of the political system,” she said. The situation has also led to accusations of corruption and negligence. Some residents believe that officials have colluded with private entities to cover up the extent of the pollution. “We’ve seen the same kind of behavior in Zagreb, where the city government failed to address its own waste problems,” said Marijana Puljak, a local activist. “In Croatia, we have the ‘Sopranos’ on the loose, mafia-like groups profiting from illegal waste disposal.” Environmental activists have warned that the consequences of the crisis extend beyond local communities. “If we fail to act now, the damage could be irreversible,” said Dalija Orešković, a member of the opposition party DOSIP. “This isn’t just about Gospić, it’s about the future of Croatia.” She called for a radical change in leadership, arguing that the current administration has shown no willingness to protect the environment or the health of its citizens. As the situation continues to unfold, the upcoming parliamentary session in Gospić is expected to serve as a turning point. With pressure mounting from both grassroots movements and political factions, there is hope that meaningful reforms will finally emerge. However, many remain skeptical, fearing that the crisis will continue to be politicized rather than addressed with urgency and integrity. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that the truth comes to light and that those responsible are held accountable.

Go to the primary sources (1)

The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.

12 reports

Novi list logoNovi listIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 9013 days ago
The state is ensuring the rehabilitation of the waste dump in Gospić, and those responsible for the illegal treatment must be held accountable

The article discusses the responsibility for illegal waste dumping at a site in Gospić, Croatia, and emphasizes that the responsibility lies with those who illegally disposed of the waste rather than the institutions currently conducting the cleanup. The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition, along with the Fund for Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency, asserts that they have been acting within their legal responsibilities since the beginning, initiating necessary procedures to enable state funding for the remediation. They highlight that the legal responsibility for cleaning up illegally dumped waste primarily falls on the polluter, which in this case is the local self-government authority. Due to the inability of the polluter to cover the costs, the state stepped in through financial support and legal measures, leading to the inclusion of the Gospić site in the Waste Management Plan. The remediation process could not begin before October 2025 due to ongoing investigative work.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the stance of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition, emphasizing their proactive role in addressing environmental issues and holding responsible parties accountable. However, it does not overtly criticize or praise specific political actors or policies,而是

Why factuality (95): The article accurately reflects the Ministry of Environment and Green Transition's position on the illegal waste disposal in Gospić, detailing their actions and legal responsibilities. It aligns with the cross-source consensus and provides a comprehensive overview of the situation.

Why objectivity (90): The article remains objective throughout, presenting facts without emotional language or bias. It focuses on the ministry's response and legal framework, maintaining a neutral and balanced tone.

Telegram.hr logoTelegram.hrIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 8510 days ago
HDZ's sheep promise a quick fix, citing the worst example of negligence as an example: "It will be to the satisfaction of the Hospice"

Two members of Croatia's HDZ party, Ante Sanader and Maksimilijan Šimrak, have pledged to quickly address illegally delayed waste disposal issues in Gospić, emphasizing protection of residents' health and criticizing those spreading panic and politicizing the issue. Šimrak stated that all relevant institutions have been instructed to act swiftly while respecting legal procedures, prioritizing health protection and site cleanup. He noted that current data from the Croatian Public Health Institute does not show water contamination or health risks, and called for expanded testing and increased oversight. Šimrak also mentioned ongoing investigations into individuals suspected of environmental crimes and expects them to be prosecuted. Sanader emphasized the need for a measured, rational approach to environmental protection, stressing that politicians should not provide expert opinions. He criticized the chairperson of the Environmental Protection Committee for not consulting committee members before scheduling a meeting and accused the 'Možemo!' platform of focusing on other issues rather than addressing the Gospić waste problem.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced discussion between two HDZ representatives advocating for swift action on environmental concerns while acknowledging scientific findings and legal processes. It includes criticism of both political leadership and external platforms like 'Možemo!', but does not clearly

Why factuality (90): The article accurately reports statements from HDZ representatives Ante Sanader and Maksimilijan Šimrak regarding the planned sanitation of illegal waste in Gospić. It includes direct quotes and provides context about the involvement of relevant institutions and the emphasis on scientific procedures

Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a relatively neutral tone, focusing on the official statements and actions taken by HDZ officials. However, there is a slight leaning toward supporting the HDZ narrative by emphasizing their commitment to environmental protection and criticizing the opposition for spreading pan

N1 Hrvatska logoN1 HrvatskaIndependentConservativeFactual 90Objective 8510 days ago
We saw how they deal with it in Zagreb.

Two members of Croatia's HDZ parliamentary group, Ante Sanader and Maksimilijan Šimrak, called for urgent state action to address illegally delayed waste disposal in Gospić, emphasizing protection of residents' health. Šimrak stated that all relevant institutions have been instructed to proceed with remediation in accordance with legal procedures, stressing the need for scientific measurements and professional analysis while prioritizing public health. He noted that current findings from the Croatian Public Health Institute do not indicate water contamination or health risks. Šimrak also mentioned ongoing investigations by the Environmental Inspectorate against individuals suspected of environmental crimes. Sanader criticized the chairperson of the Environmental Protection Committee for not consulting committee members before scheduling a meeting and for not including other relevant stakeholders. He also criticized the 'Možemo' platform, claiming they focus on solving problems elsewhere rather than addressing local issues like waste management in Zagreb.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the issue through the lens of governmental responsibility and criticizes the opposition party 'Možemo', suggesting their approach is ineffective. The emphasis on swift, legally compliant action aligns with conservative governance values. The critique of the opposition and the call

Why factuality (90): The article accurately summarizes the statements made by HDZ representatives Sanader and Šimrak about the sanitation efforts in Gospić. It includes direct quotes and mentions the role of the Croatian Institute of Public Health and the ongoing investigation into individuals responsible for the illega

Why objectivity (85): The article presents the information in a neutral manner, focusing on the official statements and actions taken by HDZ officials. There is no overt bias, though it does emphasize the HDZ's stance on the issue.

Net.hr logoNet.hrIndependentProgressiveFactual 90Objective 607 days ago
Hundreds of citizens in the streets of Gospić, politicians arrived: 'This is a crime against humanity!'

Residents of Gospić, Croatia, gathered in large numbers to protest against environmental damage caused by illegal waste disposal in their area. Many expressed feelings of betrayal and despair, claiming that local authorities failed to act despite years of warnings. The protest received support from politicians across the political spectrum, who criticized the government structures responsible for the issue. Organizers expressed disappointment in the lack of support from national institutions and questioned why such a large-scale environmental disaster went unnoticed for so long. An extensive study by Zagreb’s Faculty of Geotechnics revealed significant contamination, including toxic chemicals and heavy metals affecting groundwater. While tap water has been deemed safe, concerns remain about water drawn directly from wells and cisterns.

Bias read (Progressive): The article emphasizes the failure of current governance, criticizes ruling structures as 'thieves of the nation,' and highlights grassroots activism supported by left-wing politicians. It frames the environmental crisis as a systemic political failure rather than a technical or administrative issue

Why factuality (90): The article accurately describes the protest event, including participant quotes, the location, and the main concerns raised. It aligns closely with the primary source in terms of content and tone. However, it omits some specific details from the original text, such as the exact slogans used during

Why objectivity (60): The article uses emotionally charged language such as 'zločin protiv čovječanstva,' 'uništili su,' and 'mrtva priroda.' While it includes diverse voices, it emphasizes the gravity of the situation without presenting counterpoints or exploring potential solutions or government responses in depth.

Index.hr logoIndex.hrIndependentProgressiveFactual 90Objective 6011 days ago
Plenkovich, we are not idiots, 37,000 tons of waste is not the political hysteria of the opposition

Predsjednik Bloka umirovljenici Milivoj Špika reagirao je na izjave premijera Andreja Plenkovića o ilegalnom odlaženju otpada u Lici, optužujući vladu da pokušava izbjeći političku odgovornost. Špika je ocijenio da 37.000 tona otpada nije politička histerija, već potrebno istražiti kako je otpad godinama mogao završavati u Hrvatskoj. Napomijenio je nedostatak postrojenja za obradu otpada i pitanje tko je omogućio dopremanje otpada u državu. Kritizirao je Plenkovićeve tvrdnje o političkom korištenju slučaja od strane oporbe, uz poziv na političku odgovornost institucija i hitnu sanaciju. Pozvao je oporbene stranke na jedinstvo i napomenuo da građani traže odgovore zbog mogućih posljedica za zdravlje i okoliš.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue as a call for accountability and transparency, emphasizing the need for political responsibility rather than dismissing public concern as hysteria. The tone criticizes the government’s handling of the waste disposal scandal and calls for immediate action and elections, a

Why factuality (90): This article provides detailed information about Milivoj Špika’s response to Premier Plenković’s comments, including specific numbers like 37,000 tons of waste and references to the lack of proper facilities. It aligns closely with the cross-source consensus that the waste issue is systemic and poli

Why objectivity (60): The article takes a strongly critical stance toward Premier Plenković, labeling his response as dismissive and politically motivated. It uses emotionally charged language such as 'nismo idioti' and emphasizes the need for political accountability, which suggests a partisan perspective rather than a

tportal logotportalIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 8010 days ago
And the mayor of Zadar commented on illegal waste: 'They do not deserve to breathe Croatian air or drink Croatian water'

Zadarski župan Josip Bilaver reagirao je na otkrivenje ilegalnog odlagališta otpada u Benkovcu, koje je uključivalo 35 tisuća tona otpada. U svojoj poruci, Bilaver izrazio je zgranžanje prema situaciji i naglasio da su ljudi koji su organizirali takvu praksu nezasluženi da diše hrvatski zrak ili piju hrvatsku vodu. Njegov komentar bio je usmjeren na ekocid i zahtijevanje da se slučaj istraži do kraja, s ciljem da se svi odgovorni osobe procesuiraju. Bilaver je također objasnio da su u stalnom kontaktu s ministarstvima, Fondom za zaštitu okoliša i predsjednikom vlade Plenkovićem, te da će Zadarska županija pomoći Gradu Benkovcu, dok država preuzima najveći financijski teret sanacije. Također je upozorio na političku iskoristivost takvih situacija, smatrajući da su neki politici nedostojni dati lekcije o gospodarenju otpadom.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue of illegal waste dumping as a moral and environmental crisis, emphasizing accountability and justice. The tone criticizes political actors who allegedly exploit such situations for publicity, suggesting a left-leaning critique of political opportunism. While the subject

Why factuality (85): The article reports on the local government's response to illegal waste dumping in Benkovac, citing statements from the mayor and confirming collaboration with authorities. It aligns with the primary source document regarding the scale of the issue but lacks broader political context beyond the loca

Why objectivity (80): The tone remains factual and informative, focusing on the local impact and actions taken by officials. There is minimal political bias, though some emotional language is used when describing the consequences of the waste dumping.

Večernji list logoVečernji listIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 7510 days ago
VIDEO 'We are not looking for lawlessness, we are not looking for politicization, we just want a much more serious approach to the urgent waste remediation'

A member of the civic initiative 'Gospić je naš dom,' Vjeko Bušić, discusses expectations for an extraordinary meeting of the municipal council's Environmental Protection Committee in Gospić, which will address the urgent issue of hazardous waste being illegally dumped at a local site. He criticizes politicians for turning the environmental crisis into a political spectacle rather than focusing on serious solutions. According to Bušić, analyses conducted by the National Institute of Public Health Andrija Štampar over a year ago confirmed the presence of extremely dangerous waste classified under HP1–HP15 categories, along with infectious medical waste. Despite this, no preventive action was taken until recently, when health guidelines were finally issued to residents.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the situation as a failure of political leadership, criticizing politicians for politicizing the issue rather than addressing it seriously. The emphasis is on the need for technical expertise and environmental protection over political gain, aligning with a left-leaning critique.

Why factuality (85): The article accurately conveys the concerns of the civil initiative 'Gospić je naš dom' regarding the need for a serious and professional approach to the sanitation issue. It references the findings of analyses and highlights the spread of contamination beyond the landfill site. This aligns with the

Why objectivity (75): The article has a clear bias towards the civil initiative's perspective, using strong language to criticize political actors for politicizing the issue. It frames the situation as a failure of politicians rather than presenting a balanced view of the situation.

Jutarnji list logoJutarnji listIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 7513 days ago
An expert on the four variants of waste remediation in Gospić: Unfeasible, unjustified, temporary measure...

The article discusses the ongoing issue of illegal waste disposal in Gospić, Croatia, where nearly 33,000 tons of hazardous and illegally dumped waste are buried at the former PPK-Velebit site. The Environmental Protection Fund has proposed four sanitation models currently under consideration, while Minister Marija Vučković announced that the Ministry will present its proposal by the end of September. Prof. Dr. Renato Šarc, an expert in waste processing technology and university professor, criticized these proposals, arguing that such a large and heterogeneous amount of waste cannot be effectively treated using just one technology. He emphasized the need to first excavate and separate the waste according to its properties before treating different fractions appropriately. Šarc evaluated the four proposed models, calling the 'in situ covering/encapsulation' method a temporary measure but not a final solution, and deemed the option of landfilling all waste as both legally unfeasible and scientifically unjustified due to high plastic content and calorific values that violate international standards.

Bias read (Progressive): The article presents a critical evaluation of government-proposed solutions to a major environmental crisis, highlighting legal and scientific shortcomings in current approaches. While the article does not overtly criticize specific politicians, it frames the government’s proposals as inadequate and

Why factuality (85): The article reports on the ongoing issue of illegal waste disposal in Gospić, referencing the four proposed remediation models from the Environmental Protection Fund. It includes expert analysis from Prof. Dr. Renato Šarc and mentions findings from the Geotechnical Faculty regarding the heterogeneou

Why objectivity (75): The article presents the expert opinion of Prof. Dr. Renato Šarc but frames his critique as a professional assessment rather than an opinion. However, there is some emphasis on the urgency of the situation and the inadequacy of certain remediation methods, which may lean slightly towards highlightin

Telegram.hr logoTelegram.hrIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 7012 days ago
Gospić has grown into a national crisis, and Plenković continues to pretend that there is no problem.

The article discusses the growing environmental crisis in Gospić, where waste has been improperly disposed of and buried for over 18 months without proper treatment. Despite a shocking report revealing serious soil and water contamination, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković has downplayed the issue, appearing relaxed and dismissing concerns as hysteria. His administration has failed to take decisive action, leading to a national crisis. Even his coalition partner, Ivan Penava, has called for urgent remediation. The situation has escalated beyond local protests into a broader national concern, raising fears of long-term health and environmental impacts. The article criticizes Plenković’s lack of accountability and suggests potential political fallout.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the crisis as a result of political negligence and mismanagement by the ruling HDZ party, particularly highlighting Prime Minister Plenković's dismissive attitude and failure to act. It implies that the government has ignored the issue, allowed it to worsen, and now faces backlash

Why factuality (85): The article accurately describes the criticism directed at Prime Minister Andrej Plenković for his handling of the situation in Gospić. It references the recent findings about soil and water contamination and highlights the political implications of the crisis. This aligns with the broader consensus

Why objectivity (70): The article has a clear critical tone towards Plenković, suggesting he is avoiding responsibility. It uses emotionally charged language and frames the situation as a national crisis, which may influence the reader's perception of the issue.

Novi list logoNovi listIndependentProgressiveFactual 80Objective 8510 days ago
IDS: Responsibility should be established by the facts and remediation should be carried out without delay

The IDS party expresses solidarity with residents of Gospić affected by the illegal delay of waste disposal, emphasizing the need for accountability based on facts and immediate remediation. The party calls for transparent actions from institutions responsible for protecting public health and the environment, urging them to provide clear information on their handling of the issue. IDS leader Loris Peršurić highlights that this case goes beyond individual criminal responsibility, pointing to systemic failures in oversight over years. He demands a comprehensive cleanup plan with specific timelines, continuous public access to environmental data, and clarification on when authorities became aware of potential violations and their responses. IDS also warns against resolving the issue solely through local waste removal, stressing the broader implications for institutional integrity and the need for system-wide reform.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue as a systemic failure requiring institutional accountability and transparency, aligning with progressive values. It emphasizes public trust in institutions, calls for urgent action, and criticizes bureaucratic inefficiencies, which are typically associated with left-wing

Why factuality (80): This article covers the participation of the Initiative 'Gospić is our home' and outlines the agenda. It aligns closely with the primary source, providing accurate details about the meeting and expected outcomes.

Why objectivity (85): The tone remains neutral, focusing on reporting the event without expressing personal views. The language is clear and factual, maintaining an objective perspective throughout.

HRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija) logoHRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija)State / PublicProgressiveFactual 80Objective 657 days ago
Protest in Gospić against illegally dumped waste, demanding urgent remediation

Hundreds of citizens gathered in Gospić, Croatia, organized by the group 'Spasimo Liku,' to protest against illegal waste disposal and environmental pollution. The demonstration took place ahead of a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee for Environmental Protection and Nature, which was postponed due to recent fires in Omis and Pelješac. Protesters criticized local and national authorities for failing to address these issues, calling them illegitimate and accusing institutions of neglecting their responsibilities. The protesters highlighted the contamination of water, air, and soil in the area, citing a report by USKOK that identified around 37,000 tons of mixed waste in the former Velebit PPK area. Participants called for constitutional protection of Croatia’s waters and environment, emphasizing that this issue affects the country’s future and requires action beyond political interests.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the protest as a result of institutional failure and criticizes both local and national authorities for their lack of action. It emphasizes the need for constitutional-level protections for the environment, which aligns with progressive environmental policies. The tone highlights

Why factuality (80): The article provides factual information about the protest and includes the 37,000 tons of waste figure but doesn't incorporate direct quotes from the RTL interview with Minister Vučković.

Why objectivity (65): The article presents the protest as a legitimate concern but uses phrases like 'neučinkovitost vlasti' (ineffectiveness of the government), indicating a critical stance towards the administration.

N1 Hrvatska logoN1 HrvatskaIndependentProgressiveFactual 80Objective 456 days ago
In Gospić, the Committee for Environmental Protection meets, Orešković: "What HDZ has done is not an occupier"

The article reports on an extraordinary meeting of the Environmental Protection and Nature Conservation Committee of the Croatian Parliament in Gospić, focusing on the waste disposal issue in the area. The meeting was postponed due to a large fire in Omish. Key participants include Minister of Environment and Green Transition Marija Vučković, Minister of Health Irena Hrstić, and Chief State Prosecutor Ivan Turudić. The agenda includes updates on environmental activities, risks to health, planned remediation efforts, and financial frameworks. The article also features remarks by Dalija Orešković, who criticizes the HDZ party for allegedly poisoning Croatia with toxic waste, comparing their actions to occupation. She calls for urgent action, potential protests, and democratic change. Marijana Puljak comments on the alleged mafia-like control over waste management, drawing parallels to the TV series 'The Sopranos'.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the discussion around the HDZ party's alleged role in environmental harm, using strong language such as 'okupator' (occupier), which implies a negative political stance toward the ruling party. The emphasis on the need for democratic change and the call for protests aligns with a左

Why factuality (80): The article accurately reports the details of the Odbor za zaštitu okoliša meeting in Gospić and includes quotes from Dalija Orešković. However, it omits some contextual details from the primary source, such as the specific protest slogans and the organizer’s message to the public. The focus is more

Why objectivity (45): The article has a strong ideological bias, using phrases like 'prava istina,' 'mjesto zločina,' and 'neka HDZ čuje ove zvižduke.' It presents the HDZ as the sole perpetrator without offering alternative viewpoints or acknowledging potential complexities in the situation.

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories