ON
← Back to feed
Who is the HDZ general who drunkenly violated the traffic law?
Croatia🏛️ PoliticsLean Progressive9/1/2026

Who is the HDZ general who drunkenly violated the traffic law?

Umiruveljeni general Miljenko Filipović, koji je bio pijan kada je skrio prometnu nesreću u Zaprešiću gdje je teško ozlijeđena 56-godišnjaci žena, podnio je ostavku na mjesto predsjednika HDZ-ove Zajednice branitelja 'Gojko Šušak'. Iako je ostavio tu funkciju, još uvijek je predstojnik Ureda za korporativnu sigurnost državnog HEP-a. Filipović je zaposlen u HEP-u 2018. godine bez javnog natječaja, prema internim dokumentima HEP-a, njegove kvalifikacije nisu bile u skladu s propisanim uvjetima za tu funkciju. Dokumenti pokazuju da nije imao traženu visoku stručnu spreman i poznavanje engleskog jezika na višoj razini. Iako je upozoren, njegovo imenovanje je potvrđeno. Filipović je ranije bio povezan s HEP-om, uključujući neformalan sastanak 2015. godine gdje su raspravljali o mogućem otkupu vjetroelektrana. Ova veza i njegova uloga u HEP-u podcrtava duboke poveznice između politike i državne kompanije.

An ex-general with the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) has come under scrutiny after being implicated in a traffic accident while under the influence of alcohol. Miljenko Filipović, who was previously the head of the HDZ's "Gojko Šušak" Association of Veterans, submitted his resignation following the incident. However, he continues to hold another influential position as head of the Corporate Security Office within the state-owned power company HEP. The incident occurred on August 31 in Zaprešić, where Filipović, aged 61, was driving a Mitsubishi with a blood alcohol level of 1.42 grams per kilogram. According to police reports, he crossed into the opposite lane without maintaining the required distance from the vehicle he was overtaking, leading to a collision with a Mercedes driven by an 89-year-old man. After completing the overtake, Filipović failed to return to his original lane, resulting in a second impact with an Alfa Romeo driven by a 56-year-old woman. The woman suffered serious injuries and was treated at the Sisters of Mercy Hospital, while Filipović sustained minor injuries and received treatment at Saint Duh Hospital. Following the accident, Filipović immediately tendered his resignation from the leadership of the HDZ's "Gojko Šušak" Association of Veterans. His resignation statement emphasized his sense of personal responsibility and commitment to integrity, aligning with principles he upheld during his military service. The HDZ praised his decision, stating it reflected the values of accountability and honor he demonstrated throughout his career. Filipović’s tenure at HEP began in 2018, where he was appointed without a public tender process. HEP justified this appointment based on internal regulations from 2016, which allowed for targeted candidates for positions with special authority within the HEP group. They cited his extensive experience in national security and corporate safety as justification for his appointment, despite concerns raised about whether he met all the formal requirements for the role. Internal documents obtained by the newspaper Nacional indicate that Filipović did not meet all the criteria set forth for the position of head of the Corporate Security Office. These included lacking the required higher education qualifications and proficiency in English beyond the A2 level. Despite these discrepancies, former HEP CEO Frane Barbarić approved his appointment, asserting that no legal violations were found during subsequent investigations. Prior to joining HEP, Filipović had been associated with the organization through informal meetings. In 2015, photographs surfaced showing him attending an unofficial meeting at a Zagreb restaurant alongside prominent figures such as HDZ member Damir Krstičević, HEP CEO Perica Jukić, businessman Ante Ćurković, and HEP employee Robert Vuk. Discussions reportedly centered around potential acquisitions related to wind farms valued at nearly €10 million. Although Krstičević denied organizing the meeting, the presence of high-profile individuals suggested a close relationship between Filipović and HEP management before his official appointment. Another controversy emerged in early 2020 regarding a project involving pyrotechnic inspections of HEP facilities. Internal documents indicated that Filipović played a key role in increasing allocated funds for these inspections by €30 million. Reports suggest that some projects, particularly those in Dubrovnik and Peruća, were conducted without tenders and based on verbal orders from Filipović, with documentation later adjusted accordingly. Official records confirm that HEP indeed approved the allocation of €30 million for these inspections. In February 2020, further attention was drawn to Filipović due to restrictions on photography within HEP premises. This followed additional scrutiny surrounding his role and decisions within the organization. Despite these controversies, Filipović continues to serve in a senior capacity at HEP, raising questions about the transparency and fairness of his appointments and actions.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 4 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

Go to the primary sources (3)

The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.

4 reports

HRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija) logoHRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija)State / PublicCenterFactual 90Objective 859/1/2026
Miljenko Filipović resigned as head of the HDZ community of lawyers after the accident

Miljenko Filipović, predstojnik Zajednice branitelja HDZ-a 'Gojko Šušak', podnio je ostavku nakon što je sudjelovao u prometnoj nesreći pod utjecajem alkohola. Odluka je donesena kao rezultat osjećaja krivnje i poštovanja principa odgovornosti i osobnog integriteta. Policija je izvela detaljan pregled incidenta koji je završio ozbiljnim povredama, uključujući teške povrede 56-godišnje žene. Incident se dogodio u Zaprešiću, gdje je vozač pod utjecajem alkohola sudario sa dvema vozilima, a žena je dobila hitnu medicinsku pomoć.

Bias read (Center): Članak neutralno prikazuje događaj bez jasne političke obostrane. Iako se događaj dogodio u okviru organizacije povezane s politikom (HDZ), sam tekst ne koristi politički slant ili kritiku bilo koje stranke. Upravo je objektivno prikazano što se desilo, uz naglasak na odgovornost i disciplinu.

Why factuality (90): The article closely follows the facts presented in the primary source document, accurately reporting the time, location, blood alcohol level, sequence of the accident, and the injuries sustained. It also correctly states that Filipović resigned from his HDZ position after the incident.

Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a neutral tone throughout, presenting the facts without editorializing or using emotionally charged language. It provides a straightforward account of the incident and the subsequent actions taken by Filipović.

Večernji list logoVečernji listIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 709/1/2026
HDZ responded after the general's car accident: 'Responsibility and honor are obligations'

General Miljenko Filipović, jedan od sedam generala umirovljenih nakon Domovinskog rata, bio je uključen u prometnu nesreću 31. kolovoza 2026. u Zaprešiću. U alkoholiziranom stanju, s 1,42 promila alkohola u krvi, upravljao je Mitsubishijem i naletio na Mercedes i Alfa Romeo, rezultirajući teže ozlijeđenjem 56-godišnjake. HDZ je objavio da je Filipović podnio ostavku na dužnost predsjednika Zajednica branitelja Gojko Šušak, opisavajući njegov počinak kao primjer odgovornosti i osobnog integriteta. Policija je izvijestila o nesreći bez navođenja identiteta, ali HDZ je potvrdio da je riječ o Filipoviću.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames Filipović's resignation as a demonstration of personal integrity and responsibility, aligning with the values typically associated with the HDZ (Croatian Democratic Union), which is generally considered a center-right party. However, the emphasis on his military service, his role,

Why factuality (85): The article accurately describes the traffic accident, including the sequence of events, the vehicles involved, and the injuries sustained. It also correctly reports that Filipović resigned from his HDZ position. However, it includes some additional background on Filipović’s military career that is

Why objectivity (70): The article uses slightly emotive language, such as ‘pijan izazvao sudar’ (‘drunk caused a collision’), which implies blame. While it remains mostly factual, the tone occasionally leans toward being critical of Filipović’s actions.

Telegram.hr logoTelegram.hrIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 659/1/2026
He fought in Africa, Mesić forcibly retired him, you changed your name... who is the HDZ general who drunkenly caused the crash

General Miljenko Filipović, umirovljeni član Hrvatske vojne, izazvao je prometnu nesreću u Zaprešiću u stanju pijanstva. Policija je objavila detalje o incidentu, uključujući da je Filipović vozao Mitsubishi koji je prešao u suprotnu prometnu traku i naletio na dva automobila. Testiranje pokazalo je da ima 1,42 promila alkohola u krvi. Filipović je također predsjednik Zajednice branitelja HDZ-a „Gojko Šušak“, a poslije incidenta podnio je ostavku središnjici stranke. Biografija Filipovića uključuje dugotrajnu vojnu karijeru, uključujući sudjelovanje u ratovima u središnjoj Africi i Bosni i Hercegovini. Bio je jedan od 12 generala koji su 2000. potpisali pismo protiv kriminalizacije Domovinskog rata, što je dovele do njegovog umirovljenja. Također je promijenio svoje ime iz Milenko u Miljenko 2005. godine.

Bias read (Center): Činjenica da je Filipović bio predsjednik Zajednice branitelja HDZ-a i da je podnio ostavku nakon incidenta sugerira politički kontekst, ali članak ne prikazuje jasnu stransku poziciju. Vrijednosti i događaji su prikazani neutralno, bez evidentnog slanja. Informacije o njegovoj vojnoj karijeri i sud

Why factuality (80): The article accurately summarizes the traffic accident, including the sequence of events, the involvement of three cars, and the injuries sustained. It also correctly reports that Filipović resigned from his HDZ position. However, it adds some biographical details about Filipović’s early life and mi

Why objectivity (65): The article has a more opinionated tone, especially in phrases like ‘Ratovao po Africi’ (‘Fought in Africa’) and ‘Mesić ga prisilno umirovio’ (‘Mesić forced him into retirement’), which suggest a particular viewpoint. This can affect the perceived neutrality of the piece.

Index.hr logoIndex.hrIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 609/1/2026
Who is the HDZ general who drunkenly violated the traffic law?

Umiruveljeni general Miljenko Filipović, koji je bio pijan kada je skrio prometnu nesreću u Zaprešiću gdje je teško ozlijeđena 56-godišnjaci žena, podnio je ostavku na mjesto predsjednika HDZ-ove Zajednice branitelja 'Gojko Šušak'. Iako je ostavio tu funkciju, još uvijek je predstojnik Ureda za korporativnu sigurnost državnog HEP-a. Filipović je zaposlen u HEP-u 2018. godine bez javnog natječaja, prema internim dokumentima HEP-a, njegove kvalifikacije nisu bile u skladu s propisanim uvjetima za tu funkciju. Dokumenti pokazuju da nije imao traženu visoku stručnu spreman i poznavanje engleskog jezika na višoj razini. Iako je upozoren, njegovo imenovanje je potvrđeno. Filipović je ranije bio povezan s HEP-om, uključujući neformalan sastanak 2015. godine gdje su raspravljali o mogućem otkupu vjetroelektrana. Ova veza i njegova uloga u HEP-u podcrtava duboke poveznice između politike i državne kompanije.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information regarding Filipović’s legal and professional background, his role at HEP, and his connection to HDZ. While there is some scrutiny into his qualifications and potential conflicts of interest, the tone remains objective, presenting both internal documents and H

Why factuality (75): The article accurately reports the traffic accident involving Miljenko Filipović, including his blood alcohol level, the sequence of events, and the injuries sustained by others. It also mentions his resignation from the HDZ position and his role at HEP. However, it adds information not present in t

Why objectivity (60): The article has a somewhat biased tone, particularly in phrases like 'pijan skrivio prometnu' (‘drunk and hid the accident’) and 'bez natječaja' (‘without a competition’), suggesting judgment rather than neutrality. The focus on HEP’s hiring practices could imply criticism of the organization.

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories