If someone's support in the City Council is conditional on one graffiti, let's deny it today

Rijeka's mayor, Iva Rinčić, has sparked controversy after the city removed a mural featuring the emblem of the Croatian Homeland War (HOS) from a wall near Oštrovnjak leading to OŠ Ivan Zajc elementary school in Škurinje. The removal followed a complaint from the civil initiative "Ulice bez mržnje," which reported the graffiti as unauthorized. According to local authorities, the mural was taken down in accordance with the procedure for managing public spaces, following a police inspection confirming its illegal status. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from several political figures. Robert Salečić, a member of the Union of Kvarner and part of the coalition supporting Rinčić, expressed disagreement with the city’s decision. He stated that the Union of Kvarner, a key component of the ruling coalition, expects an explanation regarding who ordered the removal and the reasoning behind it. Salečić emphasized that the union would not participate in decisions made without consulting coalition partners. Josip Ostrogović, president of the Rijeka branch of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), also voiced his disapproval. He noted that the HDZ supported recent budget proposals and administrative restructuring at the last council meeting, which would have failed without five HDZ members. Ostrogović proposed restoring the mural in its original form and urged future decisions related to symbols of the Homeland War to involve dialogue with veterans' associations, military representatives, and the local community. The city administration explained that the mural was removed because it lacked necessary approvals, permits, or project documentation. It was deemed an unauthorized graffiti piece placed on a public surface, violating regulations governing communal order. Rinčić responded to criticisms, emphasizing her commitment to legal compliance and the rule of law. She stated she does not feel the need to comment specifically on statements from the HDZ, as they are not part of the ruling coalition. However, she stressed that she will respond to comments from coalition members. Rinčić argued that if anyone conditions their support in the City Council on a single graffiti, they should withdraw it immediately. She described cooperation that can be disrupted by a single social media post or municipal action as not genuine cooperation. She reiterated that Rijeka must remain a well-governed city based on the law. She compared the situation to the recent concert of Marko Perković Thompson, noting that the event was not banned because the law did not prohibit it. Similarly, the mural was removed under the framework of communal order since it lacked proper authorization. Rinčić acknowledged that her strict adherence to legality might draw criticism from both left and right. However, she stated she prefers carrying the burden of consistency over the weight of personal inconsistency. She promised to provide a broader explanation soon, stating citizens have the right to know not just what decisions she has made but also the reasons behind them, including her positions and responsibilities. The incident highlights tensions within the ruling coalition and underscores the challenges of balancing historical symbolism with legal and regulatory frameworks. As discussions continue, the focus remains on ensuring that all actions align with established laws while respecting the complex legacy of Croatia's past.