Croatia🏛️ PoliticsProgressiveOverlooked by conservatives8/23/2026
Orešković: We can't fight waste if we don't say who the poisoners are
Several hundred citizens gathered this morning in Gospić to protest against dangerous waste in Lika. The demonstration began at 9:30 AM on Stjepan Radić Square, with an introductory speech delivered by Ante Franić at 10 AM. Among the attendees were politicians such as parliamentary representative Dalija Orešković, Karolina Vidović Krišto from the party 'Odlučnost i pravednost,' and Zagreb city council member Tomislav Jonjić. Orešković gave a speech in which she criticized the HDZ party for allowing mafia-like organizations to lead the country and for poisoning the region through corruption. She emphasized the need to identify those responsible for the illegal waste and warned that the HDZ's actions endanger the future of Lika and the health of its residents, including children. Orešković stated that she stood with the protesters not for political points but out of genuine concern for the region's well-being.
Seven residents from the Gospić area who live near a waste disposal site have undergone blood tests in Brussels to detect the presence of PFAS chemicals, according to Gordan Bosanac, a member of the European Parliament representing the party Možemo!. The testing took place in June before the case gained wider public attention. Bosanac emphasized the importance of addressing PFAS substances, which are used in numerous industrial and consumer products, and highlighted ongoing efforts within the European Union to regulate their use more strictly. The results of these tests are expected by the end of August or early September. The issue has drawn attention beyond national borders, with Bosanac noting that the situation in Gospić has reached the institutions of the European Union, primarily due to the actions of local citizens. An initiative called “Gospić is Our Home” submitted a motion to the European Parliament committee, which Bosanac is part of. This motion is set to be included in the agenda for October. He expressed hope that the matter would not face opposition from other Croatian members of the European Parliament, emphasizing its significance. The European Parliament committee will convene in Gospić this Friday to discuss the environmental and health risks associated with illegal waste dumping and potential legal consequences. The meeting includes participation from several high-profile figures such as Ivan Turudić, the chief state prosecutor, along with local officials including the mayor of Gospić, Darko Milinović, and representatives from the State Inspectorate. The session will feature presentations from each participant followed by questions and discussions among parliamentary groups and individual members. The agenda includes updates on the measures taken so far, the risks posed to the environment and human health, the planned type of remediation, and the time and financial framework required. Another key point is the proposal for a public hearing involving ministers responsible for environmental protection and healthcare, as well as representatives from the State Inspectorate and local authorities. If approved by the committee members, this hearing is scheduled for August 18. The situation in Gospić has sparked broader political debate, with the opposition party Most demanding an extraordinary session of the Croatian parliament to address the responsibility of the government regarding the illegal waste dump. They argue that there is no time left for delays, political maneuvering, or hearings without tangible outcomes. The party plans to present its demands to parliamentary clubs in Gospić, seeking signatures to call for an extraordinary session of the parliament and potentially a vote of no confidence against the government. Minister of Environmental Protection and Green Transition, Marija Vučković, addressed concerns raised during the media coverage, stating that the investigation into the illegal waste dump was being conducted thoroughly and that the Ministry had not been involved in granting permits for such activities. She emphasized that the process of remediation was complex and required extensive analysis and planning, and that the government was committed to resolving the issue as quickly as possible. Luka Balen, director of the Fund for Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency, acknowledged the public's concern over the delayed remediation efforts in Gospić. He explained that the situation was multifaceted and long-standing, requiring comprehensive data and adherence to legal procedures. The Fund had initiated multiple phases of remediation, starting with the removal of hazardous waste and proceeding to the more complex task of dealing with buried waste. Balen assured that all processes were being carried out professionally and in accordance with the law, while also considering expedited measures if necessary. The case in Gospić raises broader questions about the management of waste and environmental protection across Croatia, highlighting the need for improved legislation and oversight mechanisms. As the investigations continue and the political discourse intensifies, the outcome of the upcoming sessions and the effectiveness of the remediation efforts will remain under close scrutiny.
Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov delivered a nine-minute video message addressing corruption, government crisis, and elections, sparking new debate in Ukraine. Fedorov criticized the lack of elections since 2019 and called for a legal, secure, and realistic mechanism to hold elections even during the war. His remarks coincided with a corruption scandal involving high-ranking officials, including the dismissal of President Zelensky’s chief of staff, Iryna Muravyova. Public opinion polls showed increased trust in Fedorov after protests demanding his return as defense minister, though majority still oppose him.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames Fedorov's criticism of the current government and call for democratic processes as progressive, while highlighting the anti-corruption efforts and public support for his return. The emphasis on legal mechanisms and democratic accountability aligns with left-leaning values. The dis
Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports on Mihajlo Fedorov’s statements regarding systemic governance crisis and corruption, as well as the subsequent anti-corruption operation by NABU and SAPO. It provides specific dates, names, and positions, aligning with the cross-source consensus. However, it stops mid-
Why objectivity (80): The article presents events in a neutral manner, reporting facts without overt bias. It uses descriptive but non-emotional language. The tone remains objective despite covering politically sensitive topics.
The article discusses the rejection by Croatia's parliament (Hrvatski sabor) of President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović's conclusions regarding urgent remediation of an illegal dumpsite in Gospić. The opposition, represented by the Možemo party, criticized the ruling HDZ (Croatian Democratic Union) for prioritizing party interests over public welfare, accusing them of protecting corrupt networks and mafia figures. Sandra Benčić from Možemo emphasized the need for immediate inspections of illegal dumpsites across the country and called on citizens to report such sites. Dalija Orešković from DOSIP accused HDZ of downplaying health risks at the Gospić site and questioned whether politicians, environmental experts, or HDZ itself were lying. She warned of potential ecological damage and urged citizens to participate in protests against the ruling party.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the HDZ as prioritizing party interests over public safety and environmental protection, using strong criticism of their actions and leadership. It highlights accusations of corruption and mafia ties within the ruling party, which aligns with left-leaning critiques. The tone and措辞
Why factuality (75): The article reports on political actions by the Croatian Parliament rejecting President's conclusions regarding illegal waste sites in Gospić. It cites statements from Sandra Benčić of Možemo and Dalija Orešković of DOSIP, presenting their positions as they were expressed. While there is no primary
Why objectivity (60): The tone is clearly aligned with the opposition parties' perspective, using emotionally charged language such as 'zaštitu stranke stavio ispred građana' and 'borba protiv otpadne mafije nije'. The article frames the situation as a conflict between protecting citizens and maintaining party interests,
Several hundred citizens gathered this morning in Gospić to protest against dangerous waste in Lika. The demonstration began at 9:30 AM on Stjepan Radić Square, with an introductory speech delivered by Ante Franić at 10 AM. Among the attendees were politicians such as parliamentary representative Dalija Orešković, Karolina Vidović Krišto from the party 'Odlučnost i pravednost,' and Zagreb city council member Tomislav Jonjić. Orešković gave a speech in which she criticized the HDZ party for allowing mafia-like organizations to lead the country and for poisoning the region through corruption. She emphasized the need to identify those responsible for the illegal waste and warned that the HDZ's actions endanger the future of Lika and the health of its residents, including children. Orešković stated that she stood with the protesters not for political points but out of genuine concern for the region's well-being.
Bias read (Progressive): The article presents a speech by Dalija Orešković, a politician from the opposition party 'Odlučnost i pravednost,' criticizing the ruling HDZ party for corruption and environmental harm in Lika. The framing emphasizes the HDZ's negative impact and calls for accountability, using strong language to抨
Why factuality (75): The article reports on a protest in Gospić regarding hazardous waste in Lika, citing participants including political figures like Dalija Orešković. It accurately reflects the event as described by the organizers and includes quotes from Orešković. However, the lack of primary sources means factuali
Why objectivity (60): The article presents a strongly critical view of the HDZ party and uses emotionally charged language, such as 'mafija' and 'zločinačkoj organizaciji.' While it reports on the protest, it frames the issue through a political lens with clear bias towards opposing the HDZ, which affects objectivity.
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