If fuel is expensive, growth will be minimal.

Premier Andrej Plenković expressed concern over the collision of trains near Škrinjari and stated that evidence will clarify the cause of the accident. He emphasized that injured individuals were promptly attended to by emergency medical services and noted that there were no fatalities. The incident occurred during a meeting with local self-government unit heads from the Neretva Valley region. The Premier also addressed the issue of illegally dumped waste in Gospić, stating that those responsible must face consequences and that a comprehensive cleanup plan should be prepared. He referenced a similar situation in Varazdin, where the state took action to resolve the issue. Plenković stressed the importance of legal procurement processes for such large expenditures, acknowledging urgency while emphasizing adherence to regulations. He reiterated that officials responsible for the illegal dumping of waste will be held accountable, and that waste will be properly cleaned up. He mentioned that the mayor of Gospić, Darko Milinović, had recently been summoned to a meeting with Minister of Construction Branko Bačić, though Milinović claimed he was prevented from attending. Milinović had previously requested urgent cleanup of hazardous waste and warned of potential protests in Zagreb if no progress is made soon. Regarding the possible increase in fuel prices, Plenković indicated that if this occurs, inflation would remain minimal. He highlighted that the government has regulated fuel prices for five months, aiming to mitigate the impact on citizens. He also discussed the announced increase in pension funds, asserting that the government is correcting past injustices from previous governments. Plenković clarified that the measure is not a new initiative but a return to a fairer system, contrasting it with other parties' approaches. He noted that the proposed increase would benefit approximately 200,000 beneficiaries. Additionally, the government plans to eliminate income tax on pensions currently within the tax bracket, which could raise payments for around 580,000 retirees. He outlined the government's broader strategy, including improved pension calculations, the possibility of returning pensions to the labor market, abolishing penalties, increasing minimum pensions, and providing support packages during crises. For pensions, the national budget allocates 10.2 billion euros, representing more than a quarter of total expenditure. Plenković emphasized that these measures align with the path previously outlined by the government.