Marija Selak Raspudić, member of the parliamentary group of the party Drita, has called on President Zoran Milanović to take decisive action rather than remain passive amid the growing political crisis triggered by the discovery of hazardous waste dumped in Gospić. Speaking during a recent interview with journalist Tihomir Ladišić on N1 television, Raspudić emphasized that the situation represents a critical moment for the government led by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. She argued that the current crisis could serve as a catalyst for the collapse of the ruling coalition, urging institutional accountability and immediate legislative intervention. Raspudić criticized the lack of unity among opposition forces despite their shared goal of forcing the government to resign. While she acknowledged that Drita did not participate in a recent meeting organized by the "Most" alliance, she clarified that the absence was due to logistical reasons, specifically, the failure to receive a timely invitation. She stressed that such issues should not be interpreted as signs of division within the broader opposition movement. Instead, she suggested that the focus should remain on collective pressure to ensure the government faces consequences for its handling of the environmental disaster in Gospić. The controversy surrounding the dumping of toxic waste in Gospić has intensified scrutiny over the government's response. According to Raspudić, the situation demands more than symbolic gestures or political rhetoric. She pointed to the constitutional role of the president, stating that Milanović must act decisively to invoke emergency sessions of parliament, a mechanism that can hold the government accountable. She questioned why Milanović had yet to convene such a session, noting that the presidency holds the legal authority to initiate these proceedings independently of the ruling majority. Raspudić further highlighted concerns regarding the credibility of key state institutions, particularly the Croatian Institute for Public Health (HZJZ). She recalled past criticisms of HZJZ director Krunoslav Capak during the pandemic, accusing him of prioritizing political interests over public health guidance. She warned that similar patterns might emerge in how the results of environmental testing in Gospić are handled, potentially undermining trust in official narratives. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković has faced criticism for his measured response to the crisis. During a press conference, he downplayed the severity of the situation, referring to the issue as a form of political exaggeration or panic. His comments were met with skepticism, especially after he shifted focus to economic indicators such as credit ratings and tourism performance. The contrast between his tone and the gravity of the environmental threat raised questions about the government’s priorities and transparency. In a separate development, Gospić Mayor Darko Milinović expressed frustration with both the government and the media narrative surrounding the incident. He challenged Plenković’s claims that the government acted appropriately under existing regulations, arguing that the delay in addressing the waste disposal issue had been unnecessary and harmful. Milinović also addressed accusations against him personally, dismissing them as attempts to deflect attention from the real problems facing the region. Milinović accused the government of failing to act swiftly, pointing to procedural loopholes that allowed delays in resolving the situation. He noted that the legal framework permitted direct procurement procedures in cases of unforeseen circumstances, which could have expedited the cleanup process. However, changes in the volume of waste and other factors reportedly hindered progress, leading to a prolonged period of uncertainty for residents. The mayor also commented on the internal dynamics within the ruling coalition, suggesting that some members had grown more vocal in their criticism of the government. He referenced the potential impact of recent polls indicating declining support for the ruling party and hinted at possible shifts in political alliances. Despite this, he remained focused on pressing the government to take responsibility for the environmental damage caused in Gospić. As the situation continues to unfold, the role of the presidency and the effectiveness of institutional checks on executive power remain central to the debate. With public concern mounting over the health risks posed by the contaminated soil and water, the demand for swift and transparent action grows stronger. Whether the government will respond adequately or face increasing calls for its resignation remains uncertain, but the crisis has clearly placed the leadership under intense scrutiny.
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