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Plenković: Citizens should not believe in words, but in reliable data
Croatia🏛️ PoliticsCenter9/8/2026

Plenković: Citizens should not believe in words, but in reliable data

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković addressed concerns over microplastic contamination in groundwater in Gospić, emphasizing that this confirms the need for site remediation and increased monitoring at locations where illegal waste was dumped. He clarified that the findings relate specifically to local piezometers in the area of illegal waste disposal and not to the drinking water supply for residents of Gospić and the Ličko-Senjska county, which has been confirmed as safe through official analyses. Plenković stated that those responsible for the incident would be held accountable by the courts and that the government would take immediate action to mitigate damage, protect people and the environment, and reform the waste management system to prevent similar incidents. He urged citizens to rely on verified data from competent Croatian institutions rather than unverified claims.

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković announced the appointment of Tonči Glavinić as the new head of the State Inspectorate following a meeting with coalition partners at Banski Dvor. Glavinić, who has worked closely with Minister Branko Bačić on reconstruction efforts and the removal of the Vjesnik building, was presented as a candidate for the role due to his experience and expertise. Plenković emphasized that the decision had nothing to do with the three-month deadline set by President Zoran Milanović for resolving waste issues in Gospić. Instead, he stated that the government has been seeking the right person for the position all along. Glavinić expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and acknowledged the challenges ahead. He noted that he is aware of the sensitive nature of the role but committed to doing his best. Plenković highlighted that Glavinić's selection was based on his proven capabilities and that he would have full support from the government in his new role. Regarding the situation in Gospić, Plenković reiterated that there is no threat to drinking water and urged all stakeholders to take greater responsibility. He criticized the creation of a misleading public perception that the soil or water in the area is contaminated, which he said could have severe economic repercussions for local producers. He stressed the importance of relying on factual data from competent institutions rather than unsubstantiated claims. Plenković confirmed that Croatia has been delayed in establishing a hazardous waste incinerator and noted that the country exports more waste than it imports. When asked whether Zagreb would be willing to accept waste from Gospić, he responded that Zagreb should focus on solving its own problems, referencing the Jakuševac issue. He also addressed concerns about relocating hazardous waste, noting that while some locations were ruled out, an agile approach would help find solutions quickly. The government denied any involvement in the release of forensic reports regarding the delayed waste in Gospić, stating that it does not commission, produce, or decide on publication dates for such reports. Plenković called for careful examination of these documents and emphasized transparency in their interpretation by qualified experts. The chief state prosecutor, Ivan Turudić, announced plans to publish three additional findings related to the incident. Plenković indicated that he did not personally concern himself with these matters, emphasizing that all documentation should be transparent and accessible to the public for review by appropriate authorities. Plenković also mentioned that the government would conduct an analysis of the entire waste management chain, including the issuance of permits, tracking of waste movement, inspection oversight, information exchange, and protection of waters. He suggested reviewing the distribution of responsibilities among national, regional, and local levels and announced potential amendments to the Waste Management Act. In response to the illegal disposal of hazardous waste in Gospić, Plenković stated that the government would address the consequences, determine necessary changes in the system to prevent similar incidents, and ensure accountability through legal proceedings. He emphasized that the water consumed by residents in the region is safe for drinking and called for continued monitoring of both groundwater and surface water. The HDZ party proposed conducting a survey to identify any municipalities in Croatia willing to host a hazardous waste incinerator, suggesting that compensation might be necessary. They referenced other European countries that have successfully managed such facilities and questioned why Croatia could not do the same. Plenković reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the situation in Gospić personally moving forward, indicating that he would take a more active role in finding swift solutions to resolve the waste issue and protect the environment.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 7 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

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8 reports

N1 Hrvatska logoN1 HrvatskaIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 909/8/2026
The appointment of Glavinić has nothing to do with Milanović's deadline.

Premijer Andrej Plenković objasnila je izbor Tončije Glavinića za novog državnog inspektora, naglašavajući da je to rezultat njegove sposobnosti i iskustva u projektima vezanim uz obnovu, posebno nakon potresa. Iako su novinari pitali o eventualnoj vezi izbora s rokom koji je predsjednik Zoran Milanović dao vladi, Plenković je odbacio tu mogućnost, tvrdeći da su tražili adekvatnu osobu tokom cijelog vremena. Također je naveo da će se osobno više angažirati u rješavanju problema otpada u Gospiću, dodavajući da su vještačenja i izvješća pokazala da je voda za građane sigurna. Napomenuo je da postoji pogrešna percepcija o opasnosti tla i vode, što može imati negativne posljedice za lokalne proizvođače.

Bias read (Center): The article presents Premier Plenković's explanation of his choice of Glavinić without overtly praising or criticizing him. The framing remains neutral, focusing on factual explanations rather than ideological slant. While there is some emphasis on the importance of the decision for national issues,

Why factuality (95): This article is highly faithful to the primary source document, accurately reporting Plenković's announcement of Glavinić's appointment and his comments about the situation in Gospić. All key points from the press conference are included.

Why objectivity (90): The article presents information objectively, using direct quotes from Plenković and maintaining a neutral tone throughout the reporting.

Slobodna Dalmacija logoSlobodna DalmacijaIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 859/8/2026
Plenković introduced the chief state inspector: "Glavinić has my trust... I will personally deal with Gospić more!"

Premijer Andrej Plenković je na sastanku vladajuće koalicije u Banskim Dvorima predstavio Tončija Glavinića kao kandidata za novog glavnog državnog inspektora. Plenković je naglasio da Glavinić, koji je posljednjih godina surađivao s ministrom Brankom Bačićem na obnovi Vjesnikova nebodera, ima povjerenje koalicijskih partnera i da će preuzeti dužnost u najskorijem roku. Glavinić je zahvalio na povjerenju i naveo da je ranije radio u Državnom inspektoratu. Plenković je odgovorio na pitanje o vezi izbora Glavinića s rokom koje je predsjednik Zoran Milanović dao vladi, tvrdeći da nema veze. Također je izrazio namjeru da se više bavi slučajem otpada u Gospiću, odgovarajući na optužbe o zaraženosti vode i tla. Naglasio je da nema dokaza o zaraženoj vodi i da su neki lokalni političari stvaraju krive percepcije koje komplikuju posao proizvođača u Ličko-senjskoj županiji.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of Premier Plenković’s announcement regarding the new chief state inspector, focusing on his qualifications and the process of selection. While there is some emphasis on the political implications of the appointment and the handling of waste management issues,

Why factuality (90): The article accurately conveys the main points from the press conference including Glavinić's appointment and Plenković's comments about the situation in Gospić. Some minor details are omitted compared to the primary source.

Why objectivity (85): The article remains largely objective but includes a headline that emphasizes Plenković's personal involvement in the Gospić issue, which may introduce a slight bias.

Dnevnik.hr logoDnevnik.hrIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 859/8/2026
Plenković confirmed: "Glavinić will be the new chief state inspector.

Premijer Andrej Plenković je potvrdio da će Tonči Glavinić postati novi glavni državni inspektor, nakon što je na sastanku parlamentarne većine predstavljen kao kandidat. Glavinić, dosadašnji državni tajnik u Ministarstvu graditeljstva, ima iskustvo u obnovi građevina i radi je blisko s ministrom Brankom Bačićem. Plenković je naglasio da odluka nema veze s rokom koji je predsjednik Zoran Milanović dao vladi za rješavanje problema otpada u Gospiću, i da nema ugroze za vodu za piće. On je također komentarisao da Hrvatska kasni sa spalionicom otpada, a Zagreb ima svoje probleme koje treba riješiti lokalnim autoritetima.

Bias read (Center): Vijest se fokusira na donošenju odluke o novom državnom inspektoru, što je politički relevantno, ali članak ne koristi značajno stranično ili značajno zasluženo reči. Premijer daje objašnjenja o izboru, ali ne prikazuje kontraponiranje ili kritiku. Uglavnom je neutralan u tonu, bez jasno izražene le

Why factuality (90): The article accurately reports on Glavinić's appointment and Plenković's comments about the situation in Gospić. It aligns closely with the primary source document.

Why objectivity (85): The article presents information objectively but includes a headline that focuses on the relationship between Plenković and Milanović, which might suggest a particular angle.

Novi list logoNovi listIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 809/8/2026
Plenkovic confirmed that Glavinic will be the new chief state inspector.

Premijer Andrej Plenković službeno je potvrdio da je Tonči Glavinić, sadašnji državni tajnik u Ministarstvu prostornog uređenja, graditeljstva i državne imovine, kandidat za novog glavnog državnog inspektora. Premijer je objasnio da je Glavinić iskusni građevinski inženjer koji je već radio u samom Inspektoratu i da je prihvatio novu dužnost. U imovinskoj kartici Glavinića navodi se da ima bruto plaću od 5614,88 eura i neto plaću od 3596,77 eura, dok nema nekretnina ni pokretnina. Njegova imovinska situacija, uključujući štednju od 50.000 eura, nije potpuno jasna. Premijer je istaknuo da je Glavinić dobar u poslovima poslije potresne obnove i da je Vlada u njega imala povjerenje. Kanditata su ocijenili kao pravi trenutak za novi karijeri, a on je izrazio uvjerenje da će opravdati povjerenje.

Bias read (Center): Artikl donosi neutralnu informaciju o izboru kandidata za novog glavnog državnog inspektora, uz citiranje službenih izjava premijera i detalje o kandidatu. Iako se radi o političkom pitanju, tekst ne prikazuje značajan slant, već balansira između službene komunikacije i osnovnih informacija o kandid

Why factuality (85): The article provides accurate information about Glavinić's appointment and his background. It aligns with the primary source but omits some specific details from the press conference.

Why objectivity (80): The article maintains a generally neutral tone but includes a brief section on Glavinić's financial status that could be seen as potentially influencing public perception.

HRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija) logoHRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija)State / PublicCenterFactual 85Objective 809/8/2026
Plenković: Citizens should not believe in words, but in reliable data

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković addressed concerns over microplastic contamination in groundwater in Gospić, emphasizing that this confirms the need for site remediation and increased monitoring at locations where illegal waste was dumped. He clarified that the findings relate specifically to local piezometers in the area of illegal waste disposal and not to the drinking water supply for residents of Gospić and the Ličko-Senjska county, which has been confirmed as safe through official analyses. Plenković stated that those responsible for the incident would be held accountable by the courts and that the government would take immediate action to mitigate damage, protect people and the environment, and reform the waste management system to prevent similar incidents. He urged citizens to rely on verified data from competent Croatian institutions rather than unverified claims.

Bias read (Center): The article presents Prime Minister Plenković’s statements regarding environmental issues and government actions in response to a specific incident. The framing is neutral, focusing on his clarifications, commitments to remediation, and calls for reliance on verified data. There is no overtly biased

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports Plenković's statements regarding the need for sanitation in Gospić and the safety of drinking water. It aligns closely with the primary source document, though it omits some specific details from the press conference such as the mention of Glavinić's appointment.

Why objectivity (80): The article maintains a neutral tone overall but includes phrases like 'zlouporaba sustava gospodarenja otpadom radi stjecanja protupravne koristi' which could be seen as slightly biased against those responsible.

tportal logotportalIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 809/8/2026
Plenkovic addressed the public: 'We cannot ignore what happened in Gospić'

Premijer Andrej Plenković komentarisao je incident ilegalno odloženog opasnog otpada u Gospiću, napominjući da će vlada ukloniti posljedice i promijeniti sustav kako se takvi slučajevi ne bi ponavljali. Naglasio je potrebu za utvrđivanjem odgovornosti osumnjičenih osoba, te podsjetio na važnost vode za hrvatski identitet i budućnost. Izrazio je sigurnost da voda u županiji nije opasna za pitanje, a da će vlada nadzirati kvalitet vode i objavljivati rezultate ispitivanja. Zaključio je da je Gospić prilika da država izvuče pouku.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a statement by the Prime Minister addressing a specific environmental issue, emphasizing governmental responsibility and transparency. While the issue itself is politically sensitive due to potential implications for public health and governance, the tone remains objective, with

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports on Plenković's statements regarding the incident in Gospić and the importance of water protection. It aligns with the primary source but omits some specific details from the press conference.

Why objectivity (80): The article maintains a neutral tone overall but includes phrases that emphasize the seriousness of the situation in Gospić, which could be seen as slightly biased.

Jutarnji list logoJutarnji listIndependentConservativeFactual 70Objective 659/8/2026
Who wants a hazardous waste incinerator?

The Croatian HDZ party has announced plans to conduct a survey to identify which municipalities in Croatia might be willing to host a hazardous waste incineration plant. This initiative comes after large protests in Zagreb over illegally dumped waste in Gospić and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković's announcement to accelerate cleanup efforts. The HDZ highlights that Croatia currently lacks such facilities and notes that no municipality wants one built in their backyard. They have requested the Environmental Protection Fund and the relevant ministry to carry out the survey and mentioned that compensation would be provided. The party references other European countries like Austria, Germany, and France where such plants exist, suggesting that similar solutions could work in Croatia if local communities agree.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the issue through the lens of the HDZ party, emphasizing their initiative and using rhetoric that suggests a need for decisive action ('munjevitost') and implies criticism toward those who demand immediate solutions but may not support practical measures. The framing leans toward右

Why factuality (70): The article contains some factual information about the lack of waste incinerators in Croatia and HDZ's proposed survey. However, it lacks specific details from the primary source and appears to focus more on HDZ's response than on Plenković's direct statements.

Why objectivity (65): The article has a clear political bias towards HDZ's position and uses emotive language ('Nitko je nije želio u svom dvorištu') that suggests a particular viewpoint rather than presenting facts neutrally.

Jutarnji list logoJutarnji listIndependentCenter9/8/2026
Plenkovic introduced the new chief inspector of the state: "It has nothing to do with Milanovic".

Premijer Andrej Plenković službeno je potvrdio da je Tonči Glavinić, državni tajnik u Ministarstvu prostornog uređenja, graditeljstva i državne imovine, kandidat za novog glavnog državnog inspektora. Glavinić, iskusan građevinski inženjer, ima povjerenje i Vlade i koalicijskih partnera. Premijer je objasnio da je izbor padao na njega zbog njegove iskustva i sposobnosti u poslovima poslije potresne obnove, kao i uklanjanja zgrade Vjesnika. Na pitanje veze izbora Glavinića s rokom koje je predsjednik Zoran Milanović dao Vldi, Plenković je odgovorio da nema veze. Također je izrazio prednost da se više angažira na slučaju Gospića, gdje se radi o brinem zbrinjavanju otpada. Plenković je također opozvao prijetnje o zaraženosti tla i vode, naglašavajući da su takve percepcije bez osnivača i mogu uzrokovati ekonomsku štetu.

Bias read (Center): Artikl donosi neutralnu izjavu o izboru kandidata za glavnog državnog inspektora, bez jasne stranih predrasuda. Iako se govori o političkim pitanjima (izbor kandidata, povjerenje Vlade), tekst se fokusira na faktičke informacije i objašnjenja, a ne na kritiku ili podpiranje jedne stranke. Usporedba,

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