This is how the Minister justifies the latest scandal about waste in Gospić: We did not interfere in the selection of companies
Minister of Environmental Protection and Green Transition Marija Vučković addressed recent controversy surrounding waste management in Gospić, Croatia. She clarified that the government did not interfere in the selection of the company chosen for the project, which has faced scrutiny due to past issues with waste disposal. Vučković emphasized that the process involved researching the market and gathering informal responses to prepare a comprehensive plan for environmental remediation. The selected company, a Croatian branch of a Slovenian firm, had previously been linked to illegal waste burial practices. However, Vučković stated this situation was different because it followed a complete report by the Faculty of Geotechnics in Zagreb, which identified specific chemical compounds in shallow waters requiring immediate action. The government aims to expedite the formal procedure for waste removal before heavy rains.
Croatia's minister for environmental protection and green transition, Marija Vučković, addressed allegations surrounding the selection of a company with a controversial business record to handle waste in Gospić during a press conference in the town. The firm, a Croatian branch of the Slovenian utility company Kostak from Krško, has faced scrutiny over past illegal dumping practices. Despite these concerns, Vučković emphasized that neither her ministry nor the Environmental Fund had intervened in the choice of the contractor. Vučković clarified that the process was not one of procurement for buried waste but rather a market research initiative aimed at gathering information to better prepare a plan for environmental remediation. She stressed the importance of obtaining as many informal or non-binding responses as possible to facilitate quicker cleanup efforts and protect public funds. “It’s our equation,” she stated, highlighting the need for speed and efficiency in addressing the issue before heavy rains could exacerbate the situation. The minister explained that the government had reached out to approximately 15 entities, both domestic and international, capable of handling such waste. Those interested would soon be allowed to take samples. This approach, she noted, mirrored similar processes used for other types of waste management. “This is how it was done for scattered waste. They have the right to do this, and it benefits us,” she added, emphasizing that the goal was to ensure a more accurate characterization of the situation and a smoother formal procedure. When asked about the similarities to a previous incident involving the Sovjak site, where a contract had to be terminated due to issues with the agreement, financing, and delays in work, Vučković stated that the situations were not comparable. She explained that the current process was initiated after the publication of a comprehensive report by the Faculty of Geotechnics in Zagreb, which identified specific combinations of PFAS compounds in shallow waters within a borehole. This finding underscored the necessity of proceeding with the cover operation. Vučković acknowledged the urgency of the situation, noting that the three-month timeframe was set to avoid restricting the market and to select the most favorable bidder according to established criteria. She assured continued monitoring of all aspects of the project. Regarding Sovjak, she indicated that problems encountered during the execution of the project would likely lead to further procedures regarding contract termination. Currently, assessments of completed work are underway, experts are being engaged, and preparations are progressing for the continuation of works and new procurements. Addressing comments made by Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomašević, who suggested that accusations of hazardous waste near Petruševac and Savica were a distraction from recent issues with waste disposal, Vučković firmly denied any comparison between these locations and the illegal waste dump in Gospić. She emphasized that Savica is a serious location and that proper procedures are not being followed. “We have evidence, we have the right, and we have the obligation to act, and we are doing so,” she stated, underscoring the city's responsibility as the legal custodian of the site's remediation.
Minister of Environmental Protection and Green Transition Marija Vučković addressed recent controversy surrounding waste management in Gospić, Croatia. She clarified that the government did not interfere in the selection of the company chosen for the project, which has faced scrutiny due to past issues with waste disposal. Vučković emphasized that the process involved researching the market and gathering informal responses to prepare a comprehensive plan for environmental remediation. The selected company, a Croatian branch of a Slovenian firm, had previously been linked to illegal waste burial practices. However, Vučković stated this situation was different because it followed a complete report by the Faculty of Geotechnics in Zagreb, which identified specific chemical compounds in shallow waters requiring immediate action. The government aims to expedite the formal procedure for waste removal before heavy rains.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the minister's statements directly, without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It includes her explanations and does not favor one side over another in the controversy. The framing remains neutral, focusing on her responses and the procedural aspects of the decision.
Why factuality (82): This article provides a clear and direct account of the minister’s response, emphasizing that the ministry did not interfere in the selection of firms. It includes key quotes from the minister and aligns closely with the information from the first article. It also mentions the ongoing investigation
Why objectivity (70): While more concise, this article still has a slightly defensive tone when discussing the selection of the firm, especially when contrasting it with the situation at Sovjaku. It presents the minister’s position but doesn’t explore alternative viewpoints or criticisms as thoroughly.
The minister of environment, Vesna Vučković, addressed concerns regarding the selection of a contractor for waste disposal in Gospić, Croatia. She clarified that the process was part of market research rather than a procurement procedure for buried waste. Vučković emphasized the need for a comprehensive assessment of potential contractors, both domestic and international, to prepare a detailed plan for environmental remediation and protect the state budget. The chosen contractor is a Croatian branch of the Slovenian company Kostak, which has faced allegations of illegal waste burial in the past. Vučković stated that this situation differs from previous cases like the Sovjak incident, where contracts were terminated due to similar issues. The decision was based on urgency and the need to act before heavy rains, with criteria focused on cost and time efficiency.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the minister's explanations and justifications for selecting a contractor for waste management in Gospić. It includes her responses to questions about the process and comparisons to past incidents. There is no clear ideological framing or biased language; the content remains a Q
Why factuality (78): The article accurately reports the minister's statements regarding the waste management process in Gospić, including her clarification that she never claimed many rejections were received. It aligns with the cross-source consensus by presenting similar quotes and context about the market research pr
Why objectivity (65): The tone is somewhat defensive, particularly when addressing concerns about the selected contractor with questionable practices. The article frames the situation as a standard market research process rather than acknowledging potential controversies, which introduces a slight bias.
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