A video showing Croatia’s mayor of Ličko-Senjska županija, Ernest Petry, engaging in a passionate embrace with a dark-haired woman has sparked public outrage and political controversy. The footage, circulating online, shows Petry in a bar in Gospić, the capital of his municipality, appearing to be in a heated moment with the woman. The clip has been widely shared across Croatian media, drawing sharp criticism from both the public and members of his ruling party, the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ). The incident occurred during a night out in Gospić, which coincidentally took place just hours before an extraordinary session of local authorities addressing one of Croatia's most pressing environmental issues, the illegal dumping of toxic waste in the region of Lika. This issue has become a national concern, with officials scrambling to find solutions amid growing public frustration. Yet, the attention has shifted to Petry’s personal conduct, with critics accusing him of prioritizing private pleasures over public duty. Petry, a member of the HDZ, has faced mounting pressure from within his party. On August 20, 2026, the HDZ called for his immediate resignation as head of the local branch, citing inappropriate behavior for someone in his position. A report published by Jutarnji List noted that the party believes Petry’s actions have damaged its reputation and undermined trust in local governance. However, Petry has yet to respond publicly to these demands, stating he will consider resigning only if there is a formal request from the party leadership. In a statement released through 24sata, Petry defended his actions, calling them part of his private life. He emphasized that his contributions to the HDZ in Ličko-Senjska have been significant, and that the country faces far greater challenges than his alleged misconduct. “I am always ready to serve the party, whether as a local organizer or as a mayor,” he said. His comments suggest he is unlikely to step down voluntarily, despite the mounting political pressure. This is not the first time Petry has found himself in a similar situation. In April 2026, a dark-haired woman reportedly threw ash at him in Novalja on the island of Pag. At the time, police were called to the scene, and the woman was found to be heavily intoxicated. Petry, meanwhile, had a blood alcohol level above the legal limit. That incident, though different in nature, has contributed to a pattern of public scrutiny surrounding his personal conduct. The current scandal has intensified due to timing. As the government struggles to address environmental concerns, the public’s focus has turned to the perceived lack of integrity among local leaders. Petry’s actions have been interpreted as a betrayal of public trust, especially given the gravity of the ecological crisis in the region. Environmental activists and opposition politicians have used the incident to question the priorities of local officials, suggesting that their focus should be on solving real problems rather than personal indulgences. As of August 21, 2026, the HDZ continues to push for Petry’s resignation, while Petry remains defiant. Whether he will eventually comply with the demands of his party or continue to resist remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that this incident has deepened the divide between the public and local leaders, raising questions about accountability and the role of politicians in times of national crisis.
★
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![[Video] Croatian county mayor caught in passionate moments with a brunette](https://images.weserv.nl/?url=nova24tv.si%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F08%2Fhdz.jpg&w=3840&q=75&output=webp&we)
Slovenia
