Poljak commented on Kerum's arrest and Shota's reaction:

A prominent political figure has publicly criticized the arrest of Željko Kerum, former mayor of Split and leader of the Croatian Civic Party (HGS), while another local official defended the move, emphasizing legal procedures and ongoing collaboration. The comments come amid growing public scrutiny over alleged corruption and criminal ties within local government circles. Marijana Puljak, a member of parliament and leader of the Center party, expressed her views on the situation following the arrest of Kerum. She accused local business interests and criminal networks of exerting undue influence over city affairs, pointing to Tomislav Šuta, the current mayor of Split, as a key political ally. In her statement, Puljak claimed that Šuta, who she described as a “political patron and bookkeeper,” had publicly announced continued cooperation with Kerum despite his detention. She questioned whether this would mean future consultations on urban projects and the General Urban Plan (GUP) would take place behind bars, suggesting that citizens of Split should be fully aware of the extent of corruption involving the ruling party and Kerum himself. Kerum was arrested late yesterday in Vela Luka, on the island of Korčula, according to reports. He was detained under suspicion of involvement in organized crime and corruption. His arrest followed months of speculation and allegations against him, including claims of financial misconduct and collusion with local traders. Puljak’s remarks highlight the deepening tensions between different factions within Split's political landscape, particularly regarding the role of the ruling party and its connections to local economic actors. In response to the controversy, Šuta issued a statement clarifying that Kerum is not a member of the City Council and does not participate in its operations. He emphasized that the city council, led by Mayor Igor Stanisic, continues to work effectively with representatives of the HGS. Šuta stated that Kerum’s case is being handled by appropriate authorities and that he will not comment further on matters currently under investigation. He also noted that Kerum will have the opportunity to present his side of the story through the legal process. The incident has sparked renewed debate about the transparency and accountability of local governance in Split. Public officials and activists have called for greater oversight and stricter enforcement of anti-corruption measures. Meanwhile, the legal proceedings against Kerum are expected to unfold in the coming weeks, with potential implications for both his personal career and the broader political environment in Croatia. As the situation develops, observers are watching closely for any signs of internal conflict or shifts in power dynamics within the city administration. With the legal process underway and political statements continuing to circulate, the outcome of this case could have lasting effects on how local governance is perceived and managed in Split.