'The issue of waste in Lica has been over-emphasised by the opposition and the media'

Premier Andrej Plenković has accused opposition parties of exaggerating the issue of hazardous waste dumping in Lika, calling their actions politically motivated and misleading. The controversy centers around the illegal disposal of 32,000 tons of dangerous waste in Gospić, which has sparked public concern over environmental safety. According to Plenković, the opposition and media have downplayed the scale of the problem, using it to gain political traction rather than addressing the real issues facing the region. He stated that he fully understands the opposition’s stance, noting that they have used public opinion polls to position themselves for renewed media attention. The situation escalated after the ruling coalition held an emergency meeting following pressure from the opposition and civil society groups demanding faster action. Opposition leaders, including the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), called for an extraordinary session of parliament to address the crisis. However, none of the ruling party's parliamentary factions attended the meeting, despite being invited. The opposition claims that the ruling coalition is failing to take responsibility for the environmental disaster, while the government insists that it is working diligently to resolve the issue. Plenković emphasized that the water supply in Gospić and the surrounding areas remains safe for consumption, citing statements from the head of the Croatian Institute for Public Health, Krunoslav Capak. Capak confirmed that the drinking water from local distribution systems is entirely safe and posed no health risks to residents. Despite this reassurance, public distrust persists, with many locals expressing frustration over the slow progress of waste cleanup efforts. The waste dump site, located near Gospić, has been a focal point of growing public outrage due to its potential to contaminate groundwater and soil. Environmental activists argue that the current measures are insufficient and that more stringent enforcement is needed to hold responsible parties accountable. One of the accused individuals, Josip Šincek, a businessman linked to the illegal dumping, publicly denied wrongdoing and claimed that his legal responsibilities were already established before any criminal proceedings began. He also criticized the lack of transparency regarding other possible sources of contamination in the area. Political tensions have reached new heights, with opposition figures accusing the government of negligence and corruption. SDP leader Mirela Ahmetović sharply criticized Plenković’s response to the crisis, labeling him as someone who has turned citizens into “idiots” by failing to act decisively. Meanwhile, the opposition has called for the resignation of the entire government, arguing that the administration is complicit in the environmental degradation. Some members of the opposition have even suggested that the government should be replaced entirely, claiming that the current leadership is part of a broader system of corruption. The government, however, maintains that it is taking necessary steps to address the issue. A new model for waste cleanup has been agreed upon between the Home Front and the government, aiming to expedite the process. The plan includes a competitive bidding process for waste removal, with a deadline set for August 25th. If no contractor is selected through this method, the government will proceed directly with a tender. Plenković has not yet specified how long the third phase of cleanup, focused on removing mixed and buried hazardous waste, will take, nor has he announced the appointment of a new chief state inspector, whose predecessor was recently implicated in an investigation. Local officials have also expressed concerns about the situation. Former mayor of Gospić, Karlo Starčević, claimed that he had no prior knowledge of the illegal waste dumping during his tenure and noted that the city itself does not issue permits for waste disposal, especially for hazardous materials. This has raised questions about the oversight mechanisms in place and whether local authorities have played a role in allowing such practices to continue unchecked. As the debate intensifies, both sides remain entrenched in their positions. While the government asserts that it is acting in the best interests of the public, the opposition continues to demand greater accountability and transparency. With public sentiment shifting and calls for change mounting, the outcome of this crisis could significantly impact the political landscape in Croatia. For now, the focus remains on resolving the immediate environmental threat, though the underlying political tensions show no signs of abating.