The mayor of Split-Dalmatia attacked Miru Bulya: He distracts attention from incompetence and ignorance

In a recent public confrontation, Blaženko Boban, the mayor of the Split-Dalmatia County, accused Miro Bulj, the mayor of Sinj and member of parliament, of diverting attention from his own administrative shortcomings and lack of knowledge in managing the city. The dispute centers around a regulation concerning compensation for waste accumulation, which has sparked significant political tension between the two local leaders. According to reports, Boban rejected Bulj's request to suspend the regulation on individual compensation for delayed waste disposal. He criticized Bulj's approach as a misguided policy that shifts focus away from the incompetence and ignorance in governing Sinj, a city he claims significantly lags behind other towns and municipalities in terms of development. This statement came after Bulj held a press conference in Split, near the headquarters of the Split-Dalmatia County administration, where he called on Prime Minister Andrej Plenković to halt the regulation, arguing that it unfairly penalizes municipal companies and local governments. Boban pointed out that Bulj has been delaying decision-making for years, and now finds himself facing pressure to explain these delays to the citizens of Sinj. He further claimed that Bulj built his political image on promises to avoid increasing communal contributions and to resolve all issues without making tough, responsible decisions. According to Boban, Bulj intentionally prolonged the decision-making process, and now, when the consequences of this mismanaged policy have become evident, instead of explaining how he will address the resulting situation, Bulj is asking the state to revoke a regulation that applies equally to all cities and municipalities. At the press conference, Bulj urged the prime minister to suspend the regulation on individual compensation for delayed waste disposal, stating that it penalizes municipal enterprises and local governments. However, Boban believes that Bulj is trying to shift attention away from current problems for which the residents of Sinj expect answers. From questions about the implementation of projects, including enrolling children in kindergartens, to overall city management—these are areas where Miro Bulj does not provide explanations, as it is easier to create media hype than to justify the results of his own mandate, according to Boban. He emphasized that it is much simpler to come to Split, shout into cameras, and call on others, rather than responsibly lead a city, make timely decisions, and take responsibility for their consequences. He noted that the only infrastructure and developmental investments made in the city of Sinj are those made by the Split-Dalmatia County and the Government of the Republic of Croatia. According to Boban’s interpretation, Bulj's dramatic statements, ultimatums, and political performances might bring headlines but do not solve any real problems. Bulj, however, blamed Boban and Split Mayor Tomislav Šuta for the responsibility of not resolving issues related to waste disposal. He stated that the regulation on individual compensation for delayed waste disposal, which currently demands a fine of 400,000 euros from the municipal company Čistoća Cetinske Krajine, was enacted two years ago and was deliberately hidden. He claimed he knew nothing about it and that it was not discussed in Parliament. If the regulation is not suspended by the end of this week or the beginning of next, he warned he would bring garbage to the doorstep of Mayor Boban and the Environmental Protection Fund. The situation highlights the growing tensions between local officials over the management of environmental policies and the responsibilities they hold towards their constituents. As the debate continues, the actions taken by both sides could influence future discussions on municipal governance and environmental regulations in the region.